Thelma J. Palmer

Essex, N.Y - Thelma J. Palmer, age 83, surrounded by her loving family, passed away in her home on January 8, 2017. A Mother of six children, Grandmother of 12 children and a Great-Grandmother of 15 children.
Thelma was born in Bermuda to Ida and Albert Thomas on January 24, 1933. She has two sisters and two brothers: Patricia Clark, Fay Palmer, Billy Thomas and Peter Thomas.
Thelma met and married Orrin Harry Palmer while he was in the U.S. Navy and stationed in Bermuda. They moved to Whallonsburg, N.Y. and raised their six children. Thelma was a widow at the age of 47. She never remarried, but continued to live in Whallonsburg and be part of the Palmer family. Thelma loved her inlaws, Harry and Viola Palmer like they were her own parents. She was employed at Tambrands in Willsboro and enjoyed the friendships she made while working at the Plant.
Thelma is survived by her six children: MaryLou(Carl)Dawson, Cindy(Gary)Sherman, Julia(Ernest)Pettengill, Orrin Harry(Kathy)Palmer Jr., Charlene(Spencer)Lobdell and Susan Willoughby. She is also survived by her sister-inlaws Joyce(Bob)Bridge, Joan(Otis)Jones, Ethel Hathaway, MaryAnn Crowningshield, Betty(James)Phillips, and brother-inlaw Billy Palmer.
Thelma will be loved and missed by her family. She was a wonderful Mother, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother and will always hold a special place in each of our hearts.
A memorial service honoring Thelma will be held at the Reber United Methodist Church. The date and time will be posted at a later date. Burial will take place at the Memorial Cemetery in Willsboro, N.Y. in the Spring.
Donations in the memory of Thelma may be made to Arlene Mason, Treasurer for Reber United Methodist Church, 214 Reber Road, Willsboro, N.Y. 12996.
Arrangements are in the care of the Heald Funeral Home, 7521 Court Street, PO Box 282, Elizabethtown, N.Y. 12932. 518-873-6713

To light a memorial candle or leave an online condolence please visit www.healdfuneralhomeinc.com