Lydia K. (Kramer) Goldstein

Lydia Kramer Goldstein peacefully passed from this life into eternal joy on Tuesday, August 21 uplifted by the love of her family and many friends. Lydia loved life and embraced it with an enthusiasm and her own unique outlook on life.

Lydia was born in 1930 on her parents’ farm in Mitchellville, Maryland. She was the oldest of three sisters.  Lydia went to Sinai Nursing School in Baltimore, earning her RN in 1953. Nursing was her life’s joy. She thoroughly enjoyed her choice to be in health care working at the Glendale TB hospital and as an Occupational Health nurse for the U.S. Public Health Service where she had a distinguished career with many awards and accolades.  She trained to be an emergency response nurse and took part in training with the military and other first responders.

Lydia moved to Greenbelt, Maryland in 1954 and lived there for most of her adult life, attending Holy Cross Lutheran Church and taking part in many clubs in the community.  In her retirement, she became a Stephens Minister to provide high quality, confidential, Christ-centered care to people who are hurting. She was ordained as a Parish Nurse encouraging physical and spiritual health and wholeness by developing and leading programs within the area’s faith communities. Lydia loved to cook and frequently made meals to share with family, friends and others outside her home. She loved to travel and often took day trips with her good friends.

In 2010, Lydia moved to Augsburg Lutheran Village in Baltimore where she continued her care providing through her extensive volunteer work.  Lydia received the Baltimore County Service Award in 2017 for providing meaningful volunteer service that makes a measurable difference within her community.

Lydia is survived by her loving family: daughter, Susan Smoter (Dennis), son, Alan Goldstein (Tammy), sister, Ruth Kramer Corkern, four grandchildren, Aspen Massengill-Goldstein (Mike), Damian Smoter, August Massengill-Goldstein and Victoria Smoter, and two great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her sister Barbara Kramer and former husband, William Goldstein. She also leaves behind many relatives and friends who will greatly miss her friendship and advice.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 8, at 11am, at the Augsburg Lutheran Home Chapel, 6811 Campfield Road, Baltimore, MD, where a fellowship luncheon will immediately follow. Private interment. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Lydia’s name may be made to Augsburg Lutheran Village.  Please contact the Augsburg Development Office at 410-486-4573, extension 120 or at https://www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp?cid=945.

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