Doris A. Kromer

DORIS A. KROMER

AVOCA-Doris A. Kromer, passed away Saturday, September 10, 2011 at home surrounded by her loving family, and dear friends, Mort Payne and Diane Hayes.
Doris was born in Hicksville, Long Island on February 10, 1939 to the late Edward V. and Amelia B. (Rau) Alsheimer. She was the youngest of 7 children. She was predeceased by 4 brothers, Henry, Edward, Charles and August (Red) Alsheimer, and 1 sister, Grace Chissolm. She is survived by her dear brother and sister-in-law, Walter and Barbara Alsheimer.
Doris was married to Karlton (Korky) Gilbert in 1959, who predeceased her. Together they had 4 children, Julie Pietsch, Kristie (Dave) VanAmburg, Jeffrey (Mary) Gilbert and Karl Gilbert, who predeceased her in 1961.
She later married William D. Kromer on December 24, 1977. He predeceased her on December 9, 2005. Together they had 1 daughter, Jennifer Kromer.
Doris’ pride and joy were her 8 grandchildren, Bryant (Stephanie) Pietsch of Charlotte, NC, Aric and Sarah Pietsch of Bath, Karl, Katherine and William VanAmburg of Bath, Allison and Jeffrey Gilbert of Prattsburgh. Doris treasured family and was very close to her nieces and nephews.
Doris graduated from Avoca Central School in 1956. Following high school, she pursued a career in healthcare. She earned her RN from Highland School of Nursing in Rochester, and recently celebrated her 50th year graduation with her classmates.
In 1975, she earned her certification as a Physicians’ Assistant. She was one of the first P.A.’s certified in New York State.
She was employed at the Veterans Administration Center in Bath, Ira Davenport Memorial Hospital, and Keuka Family Practice. Doris had a passion for helping others, and truly loved her profession. Her career in healthcare spanned over 45 years.
Doris was an active community member over the years. She belonged to the Avoca American Legion Womens’ Auxiliary, the Avoca United Methodist Church, and the Avoca Historical Society.
Doris loved entertaining family and friends at her home, and always set an elegant table. She enjoyed spending time with her special friend, Mort Payne, their travels to Florida and the new friends she made there.
She enjoyed taking walks to the river, sewing, knitting and watching birds. She was a good gardener and enjoyed growing and cooking with herbs.
Doris was very involved with her grandchildren often teaching them games, baking, sewing, and gardening. She followed their achievements in education and sports from grade school to college, and was their strongest supporter and biggest fan.
Doris loved life and treasured her friends and family. We will truly miss her.
Calling hours are from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Thursday at the Avoca Funeral Home, 22 N. Main St., Avoca. A funeral service will be held in her memory at 2 p.m. Friday at the Wallace Wesleyan Church, with the Rev. Bill Spencer officiating. Committal services and interment will follow at Valley View Cemetery, Avoca.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Doris Kromer Scholarship Fund for high school graduates pursuing a career in the healthcare profession, in care of her son, Jeffrey J. Gilbert, 9690 Mutton Hollow Road, Prattsburgh, N.Y. 14873.