Miriam (“Mimi”) Hena Teller Kramer, 86, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2022 in the
company of her children and several of her grandchildren. The stroke that ended her life was a
shock, as she was in apparent excellent health and full of energy that belied her 86 years. She
was a cherished mother, wife, grandmother, great-grandmother, step-mother, sister, aunt, and
cousin, a gifted and beloved science teacher, and a treasured friend to many.
Born to George and Rose Teller in the Bronx, New York, Mimi was the second of five children,
sister to Samuel, Betty, Jack, and Helen. Following her parents’ adage that “education is the
golden door,” she worked hard to get admitted to The Bronx High School of Science and after
graduating, went on to attend and graduate from Hunter College (now The City University of New
York) with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biology. Later, while raising children, she obtained a
Master’s degree in Education from Framingham State University. She joined the teaching
profession, where she taught biology, anatomy, and physiology at Lincoln Sudbury Regional High
School for over 30 years. She remained in contact with many of her students long after they
graduated.
In 1957, she married Lawrence Gutwill, moved from New York to Massachusetts, and had three
children: Sarah, Matthew, and Joshua. After her marriage ended in 1972, she focused on raising
her children and teaching her students. In 1982, she married Lester (“Les”) Kramer and became
step-mother to Nancy, Robert, Patricia, and Julie. She was predeceased by her dear husband
Les, her step-daughter Nancy, and her loving nephew Seth. She went on to live a full, vital and
independent life in her home in Framingham.
Mimi was exceptionally community oriented, bringing people together with a wide smile and warm
heart. She enjoyed hosting large family gatherings, participating in activities at her synagogue,
volunteering and tutoring children in the community, and socializing with friends. Generous with
her time and support, Mimi loved taking care of others and always offered a helping hand. She
was the glue of her extended family, the light of her tight-knitted siblings, and a rock of stability to
her children and grandchildren.
She is survived by three children Sarah Pechette, Matthew Gutwill (Katie Gutwill), and Joshua
Gutwill (Dr. Laura Wise); three step-children Robert Kramer, Patricia Kramer, and Julie Kramer;
eight grandchildren Aaron, Zachary (Taylor), Allegra, Jared, Samuel, Theodore, Anna, and Jonah;
and two great-grandchildren Maverick and Olivia; as well as four siblings Hon. Samuel Teller
(Joan Teller), Dr. Betty Werksman (Jerry Werksman), Jack Teller (Bess Teller), and Helen Teller.
The family plans to hold a celebration of Mimi’s life in the Spring of 2023 at Temple Beth Shalom
in Framingham, MA.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Miriam T. (Teller) Kramer, please visit our floral store.