Ellen Elizabeth Cramer of Harrisburg, died suddenly at home on Friday, August 27, 2021.

She was born June 13, 1942 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to the late John and Elizabeth McGrath. Ellen graduated from Adelphi University in Garden City, NY, with a degree in dance and theatre, and later accomplished a life’s goal of obtaining her Master’s degree, which she did with honors, from Temple University.

Ellen spent years sharing her love of dance and fitness with others, by teaching dance, aerobic, and yoga classes throughout the area, and by enhancing the lives and well-being of countless senior citizens throughout the country with the fitness programs she developed as a co-founder of Creative Fitness, Inc. She also was a dedicated community volunteer, and found great satisfaction in helping to make a difference in people’s lives, particularly through her work as a reading coach for the Literacy Council, and as a family support volunteer with various hospice organizations.

Ellen had a deep passion for travel, and she and her husband, John, were blessed to share many trips together, both near and far, and generously brought family and friends along whenever possible so that others could experience the adventure with them.

Ellen is survived by her beloved husband of 54 years, John, and by her children, son Jon and his partner Jim Augusto, and daughter Jennifer Brenner and her husband, Roy. Being “Amma” was Ellen’s most favorite role in life, and she was so proud of her granddaughters, Maddie and Ellie Brenner, and loved spending as much time with them as possible. Ellen is also survived by her younger brother, John McGrath, and his wife Elaine, and by a number of loving nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed by all, including the many friends she had in her life for more than 60, even 70, years.

The family would like to take this opportunity to extend their thanks and gratitude to Osei Siribuor, John and Ellen’s caregiver, for his kindness and assistance he provided to Ellen, and for the support he is now offering to John.

Private services were held at the convenience of the family. As a reflection of Ellen’s love for both travel and animals, the family respectfully requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions in Ellen’s memory may be made to either the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International or to Speranza Animal Rescue, 1216 Brandt Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.