Lois E. Krechmer

Lois Altman Krechmer died on September 20, 2017 at age 89 in York Hospital. She was born on October 10, 1927 in Athens, Ohio and grew up in three different southeast Ohio communities. She was the daughter of Max and Sonia Altman, who immigrated to the U.S. from Russia. Lois graduated from Gallipolis High School and Ohio State University where she earned a degree in Political Science and was active in sorority life. When her older sister Rita married Ellis Rifkin in Columbus, Lois was introduced to Morton Krechmer, a cousin of Ellis who had just started working in a veterinary practice in Stewartstown, PA. The romance blossomed quickly and shortly after her graduation from Ohio State in May, 1949, they were married in Columbus and she moved to Stewartstown. Her boundless energy was quickly put to use as 3 children arrived within 5 years and she supported the veterinary practice that Morton took over as sole proprietor. Somehow she found time over the years for involvement in numerous social and civic activities. She was active for decades in York’s Ohev Sholom synagogue including presidency of the Sisterhood. She also held the presidency of the York Hadassah Chapter and was a lifetime member of the organization. She served on the Jewish Community Center Women’s Auxiliary. Her civic activities included service in the Lion’s Club Women’s Auxiliary, the Cub Scouts as a Den Mother, the PTA and the Headstart program. She served as Hopewell Township Assessor and was active in political campaigns. Her first priority, however, was always family. Her dedication to Morton, her children, her parents and in-laws was unquestioned. She was always there to support family members in difficult time and to celebrate the good times. Between 1984 and 1989 seven grandchildren arrived. Every summer the clan gathered in Bethany Beach where closed ties were forged among a spread-out family. Her dedication and love for her grandchildren has been reciprocated, which was very apparent at family gatherings. Throughout her life she showed a remarkable talent for making friends and keeping them. Her friendships spanned decades, generations and walks of life including Stewartstown, the York Jewish community and old college friends. She unfailingly acknowledged birthdays, anniversaries and many other events for both family and friends. She soldiered on with a heavy heart when Morton passed away after 51 years of marriage. She is survived by 3 children, Steven Krechmer (Joan), Judy Copeland (Bob) and Dan Krechmer (Ellen), 7 grandchildren, Joshua Krechmer, Jordan Krechmer, Hannah Kaufman (Ryan), Melissa Krechmer, Betty Krechmer (Ricky Mead), Samuel Copeland (Sarah) and Ezra Krechmer, one great-grandchild (Norah Kaufman), two nieces, Debby Rosen (Barry), Joyce Ferber(Andre) and one nephew, Joel Rifkin (Yadi). Graveside Services will be held 2:00 PM Sunday September 24, 2017 at South Hill Hebrew Cemetery 2101 Old Baltimore Pike, York, with Rabbi Jeffrey Astrachan, officiating. The Geiple Funeral Home, Inc. 53 Main Street, Glen Rock is in charge of the arrangements. Donations in her honor can be made to Jewish Family Services of York 2000 Hollywood Drive, York, PA 17403 or to South Hill Hebrew Cemetery c/o Mitchell Grossman, 363 Tri Hill Road, York, PA 17403. Condolences may be shared at geiple.com