Kathleen Elizabeth Palmer, 86, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2025, at the home of her son and daughter-in-law, surrounded by the love of her family, after a long and courageous battle with COPD and kidney disease.
Born on October 5, 1938, in Hartland, Maine, Kathleen was the daughter of Edson and Mildred (Dyer) Buker. On May 27, 1955, she married the love of her life, Carl E. Palmer Sr., with whom she shared many devoted years of marriage until his passing.
Kathleen worked for 34 years at Edwards Company in Pittsfield, where she was known for her dedication and strong work ethic. Outside of work, she found joy in life's simple pleasures: bowling, solving jigsaw and crossword puzzles, watching her beloved soap operas, and spending time researching her family's genealogy. She also enjoyed time on her computer and was happiest when surrounded by her family.
A natural caregiver, Kathleen raised her own children with unwavering love and played a significant role in raising two of her grandchildren and three of her great-grandchildren. Her deep commitment to family was the foundation of her life.
Kathleen is survived by her children: Carl "Peanut" Palmer Jr. and his wife Velma, Daniel "Danny" Palmer, and Wanda and her husband Dennis. She was a proud grandmother to Barbara, Kelly, Michelle, Christina, and Andria; great-grandmother to Cole, Van, Levi, William, Liam, and Deandre; and lovingly raised three of her great-grandchildren as her own: Demika, Mikayla, and Jade. She also leaves behind two great-great-grandchildren, Daxton and Kiera.
In addition to her beloved husband Carl, she was predeceased by her parents and two brothers, Gerald and Garath Buker.
Kathleen's life was a quiet testament to love, resilience, and devotion. Her gentle spirit and steadfast heart will echo on in the lives she helped shape and the family she so deeply cherished. Though she has journeyed beyond this world, those who loved her will carry her memory like a lantern—glowing softly, guiding always.
A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Main Street, Palmyra, with a celebration of life to follow at the Palmyra Community Center.