On Friday, September 6th the community gathered at Crews Lake Park to celebrate the life of beloved local pediatrician, Dr. Heather Schramm. Dr. Schramm was an avid cyclist who enjoyed the park and connected trails. At her celebration of life, many spoke of fond memories they had of her as an athlete, friend and doctor.
Many of her friends recounted stories of how they could barely keep up with Dr. Schramm when they cycled together. Recently, a woman who had been bicycling with Dr. Schramm told a story of how Dr. Schramm had stopped by the wind chime tree off the Suncoast Parkway bike trail for the first time. Dr. Schramm ran around the tree tapping all the chimes and when she finished she had the biggest smile on her face.
A tree was planted near the lake by Dr. Schramm’s family. This is a place where family and friends can stop and remember her. Although it seems that many people will remember her as they bike the trails around the park.
Karen Leonardo recounted how her son developed an infection as Hurricane Irma was bearing down on the area. Everything was closed so she reached out to Dr. Schramm who came over to her house and she treated him.
Dr. Schramm left her mark on the community. She was a conscientious pediatrician and some of her young patients spoke at her celebration of life and their stories created the biggest reaction. She was an athlete who enjoyed the outdoors. She was the mother who cared deeply for her children. Dr. Schramm made where we live a better place and she will be missed.
