From the outside looking in, it might appear that Mary Kramer Andreen Waller lived an ordinary life. But there was nothing ordinary about the love or the bonds of family and friendship she created everywhere she went. You know the person who "lights up a room"? The one toward whom everyone naturally gravitates? That was Mary. Her whole life. She was a leader and an observer, feisty and kind, a fierce protector of those whom she loved. And hers was a heart that loved many. Mary's keen intelligence had her skipping third grade and was apparent in the bright light of her dark brown eyes that could flash with insight or humor, depending on her mood. Her determination helped her as a single mother at the age of seventeen, continuing on even after she met and married Mayo Andreen, with whom she would have three more children. She was also a trailblazer in the workforce, elbowing her way into places where few women were seen at her time. As a woman during the 1970s and '80s, Mary rose in the ranks of corporate responsibility to the level of Secretary, Treasurer of Lubell Oil Company and Ferguson Oil, two prominent Oklahoma-based oil businesses, all while being a truly exceptional mother. No small feat. An avid reader her whole life, she would instill the love of learning and of language into all four of her children - as well as her seven grandchildren and her ever-growing number of great grandchildren - and for that we are all deeply grateful.
On June 9th of 1937, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Mary entered this world as the sole daughter of Mary and Ted Kramer, and on February 6th of 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona, Mary moved into Heaven, headed for a new, wondrous adventure where she will undoubtedly continue to charm and entertain all who are lucky enough to encounter her spirit along the way. She leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter, wisdom and vulnerabilities, family and friends, all of whom will miss her in ways that defy the very language she once cherished.
She is survived by her children: Michael Andreen (Katherine), Rick Andreen (Shellie), Tracy Andreen, and Keith Andreen (Katrina); former daughter-in-law Antonette DeVito; grandchildren: Gabriel Andreen, Christian Andreen Van Vianen (Adam), Caitlin Andreen Homa (Patrick), Connor Andreen (Madison), Caroline Andreen Beaver (Charlie), and Kinley Andreen; step-children: Susan Payne (Carl), Gary Waller (Debra), and Lisa Gray (Glen); step-grandchildren: Carli Payne, Wesley Payne (Regan), Hayley Gray, Katie Gray, and Brookie Gray; great-grandchildren: Ada, Josie, and Clare Van Vianen, and Emma Andreen.
As a devout Roman Catholic, she was surely greeted at the Pearly Gates by St. Peter and by those who preceded her in death, including her two husbands, Harry Mayo Andreen and Rod Palmer Waller; parents, Mary K. and Teddy R. Kramer; brother, Theodore D. Kramer (Carol); and grandson, Walker Andreen.
There will be two services celebrating Mary's joyful life. In Scottsdale, AZ, on February 18th at 11AM at Saint Bernard of Clairvaux Scottsdale there will be a Catholic Mass, and in Tulsa, Oklahoma at 2PM on February 21st at Calvary Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest beside Mayo.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (<
https://ssvpusa.org/
>). Thank you.
Mom, we love you and you will forever be our matriarch.