Mary (Kramer) Gleichauf, 80, of Highland Beach FL passed away on December 6, 2012. Born in Rochester, NY, she was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Robert Gleichauf; parents Claudia Biel and Joseph P. Kramer; two sisters, Rose and Betty (Brennan) and brother Herb. She is survived by her sister Kay (Blake) Hunt; children Ann, Paul & Sue (Messer), Jim & Jane (Eubanks), Mark & Sue (Hirsch) and grandchildren Pete, Gregor, Max, Ben, Kate & Claire Gleichauf, Jennifer Jackson, Will & Brooke Jackson, great grandson Beau Jackson and numerous nieces and nephews. A Memorial Mass will be held Tuesday December 11, 2012 at Ascension Catholic Church, Boca Raton, FL.
Born at the height of the depression in 1932, Mrs. Gleichauf was educated at St. Monica's School and Nazareth Academy in Rochester, where she developed a passion for food and a commitment to serving others. Both convictions would define her life. She received an associate's degree at Rochester Institute of Technology and began her career in food service in the West Irondequoit school district. In 1957 she took a hiatus from her career to marry childhood friend and eventual sweetheart Robert Gleichauf. They would go on to have four children in the next ten years. In her years at home she sustained her passion for food and service through new outlets. Drawing on her depression era roots she kept her family's pantry filled with canned and frozen fruits and vegetables which she put up year round after visits to the weekly farmer's market. She was active in many ministries at St. James Roman Catholic Church, and volunteered to support the activities in which her children participated, including the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. She was especially gratified to serve where she could give back through her love of food as a means of bringing people together. She had many Cub Scout Blue and Gold banquets and countless church fundraising dinners to her credit.
When her children grew she returned to the workforce, eventually landing at the Visiting Nurse Service of Rochester. As the director of the VNS Meals on Wheels program, she continued to serve those in need through food. At home, she relished gathering her growing family together - including children, their spouses, grandchildren and friends - around the dinner table. A lifelong learner, she earned her bachelor of science degree in food service management from the State University of New York, Empire State College in 1996.
A funeral mass will be celebrated Tuesday, 11am at Ascension Catholic Church, Boca Raton, FL. Burial will follow at the South Florida VA National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in her memory to The Caring Kitchen, 301 First Ave. S., Lake Worth, FL 33460.