Mary Jane "Sissie" Bremmerkamp

Mary Jane "Sissie" Bremmerkamp, 69, of Joplin, Mo., a former Jefferson City resident, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family and friends on Saturday, March 12, 2011, at the Boone Hospital Center, Columbia, Mo.

Mary was born Feb. 16, 1942, in Jefferson City, Mo., the daughter of John M. and Jean Huhman Sommerer. She was married to Thomas Bremmerkamp who preceded her in death in 1989.

She was a resident of the Jefferson City area until four years ago when she moved to Joplin to be near her sons and their families. Previously, she had also lived in Sikeston and Nevada, Mo.

Mary was a 1960 graduate of Jefferson City High School and received a degree in education from Lincoln University in 1964. Mary received a Masters in Education from Pittsburgh State University, Pittsburgh, Kan. She taught school in Sikeston, El Dorado Springs, Nevada and Jefferson City. In Jefferson City, she taught at West and Southwest Elementary School until her retirement in 1999. While attending Lincoln University, she worked for the Missouri State Highway Deptartment.

She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. She was also an active member and secretary of the Auxiliary of the American Legion, Roscoe Enloe Post 5, a member of Beta Sigma Phi and the Missouri Retired Teachers Association. She enjoyed oil painting, antique collecting, cooking, playing games and cards, especially canasta and bridge. She belonged to several bridge clubs. She was an accomplished synchronized swimmer.

Mary loved and lived for her family. Her sons and grandsons were the joys of her life. Many family holiday celebrations were held at her home where she would cook and organize activities.

Survivors include two sons, Bill Bremmerkamp and his wife, Gail, of Carl Junction, Mo., and Sam Bremmerkamp and his wife, Erin, of Joplin, Mo.; one brother, Mike Sommerer and Jay, of Jefferson City, Mo.; three sisters, Jean Wagner of Jefferson City, Mo., Kathy Sale of Jefferson City, Mo., and Judy Palazzari of Jefferson City, Mo.; two grandchildren, Calvin Bremmerkamp and Max Bremmerkamp; two uncles, Carl Sommerer and his family and Jerome Forck; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Visitation will be at Freeman Mortuary, Jefferson City, from 9:30 until 11 a.m., Saturday, March 19.

A memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 19, in the Freeman Chapel in Jefferson City, Mo., with the Rev. Sam Powell officiating. A celebration of Mary's life will also be held at the American Legion, 1423 Tanner Bridge Road, Jefferson City, after 1:30 p.m., Sunday, March 20. Call Judy Palazzari for meal coordination at (954) 243-8041.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary in Jefferson City, Mo.

Online condolences can be left at www.freemanmortuary.com