Obituary of Yolanda Kraemer

July 7, 1947 – January 24, 2025

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Yolanda Bensey Kraemer on Friday, January 24, 2025. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Yolanda lived a life filled with love, warmth, and unwavering dedication to those she held dear.

Born in New York City on July 7, 1947, Yolanda grew up on the Upper East Side and in the Bronx. She was the beloved daughter of Julia Bensey and a cherished sister to Barbara Maietta.

Family was always at the heart of Yolanda’s life, and in 1973, she married Arthur Kraemer, the love of her life and her best friend. For over 51 wonderful years, they built a life filled with laughter and unwavering support. Arthur and Yolanda were true partners in every sense, always side by side, taking care of their home and each other. They found joy in simple things—tending to their garden, tackling home improvement projects, and making their home a warm and welcoming place for family and friends. 

For many years, Yolanda was a beloved preschool teacher at Mother’s Morning Out at the Pound Ridge Community Church. Teaching young children was not just her profession but her passion. With endless patience, warmth, and a nurturing heart, she helped shape the early years of countless children, creating a classroom filled with joy, learning, and laughter. She had a special way of making each child feel loved and safe, and the relationships she built with families lasted long after the children had grown. Her students and their parents adored her.

Nothing in Yolanda’s life brought her greater joy and pride than her son, James. She poured her heart into being his mother, guiding him with love, wisdom, and endless encouragement. She was his biggest champion, celebrating every milestone and achievement, both big and small. As James grew into the man he is today, her pride in him only deepened. She was in awe of his hard work, dedication, and the life he built with his wife, Elisabeth, and their three children.

Her grandchildren, Grant, Walker, and Chase, were her world. Nothing made her happier than being their caretaker, confidante, and biggest cheerleader. From the time they were born, Yolanda and Arthur spent most days with them—picking them up from school, creating art projects, sharing sweets, and filling their days with love and laughter. She was an ever-present source of comfort and warmth in their lives. As they grew older and hockey became a central part of their world, she embraced the sport wholeheartedly, learning everything she could to share in their passion. She was one of their most devoted fans, never missing a game and bursting with pride at every goal and assist from Grant and Walker and every goalie save made by Chase.

Yolanda shared a special bond with her sister, Barbara. The two spoke on the phone daily, sharing updates about their children, grandchildren, and lives. These conversations were a source of great joy for Yolanda, who cherished their close connection despite the miles between them. This past summer, Yolanda was thrilled when Barbara visited her at her new home. It was a long-awaited reunion filled with laughter and love. Their relationship was a cornerstone of Yolanda’s life, a constant reminder of the deep familial ties that brought her so much happiness.

Beyond her family, Yolanda cultivated deep and lasting friendships that spanned decades. She was a loyal and caring friend. Her friends were like family, and the bonds she built over the years were a testament to her warmth, generosity, and unwavering support for those she loved. One of her best friends was Donna, who Yolanda met when they were just five years old. Their friendship remained strong throughout their lives, a beautiful testament to the enduring power of love and connection. Some of Yolanda’s favorite times were when Donna and her husband Svein visited, creating memories and sharing laughter that she cherished deeply. 

Yolanda’s legacy is one of love, partnership, and devotion—to her family, her friendships, and most of all to Arthur, James, and her grandchildren, who meant everything to her. Together with Arthur, she built a home that reflected their love—filled with hard work, thoughtful touches, and a garden that bloomed under their care. 

She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the countless memories she created with those she loved.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 10:00 am, at Hoyt Funeral Home, 199 Main St, New Canaan, CT 06840, followed by burial at Pound Ridge Cemetery. A luncheon will be held at 12:00 pm at Ristorante Lucia, 454 Old Post Road, Bedford, NY 10506, where family and friends are invited to gather and celebrate her life.