Obituary of Mary Joann Palmer

Joann Palmer, 78, passed away surrounded by family on Thursday, November 27, 2014. She was born in Dawmont, West Virginia on September 21, 1936 to Verona and Arnold Kish, Sr. Her father died in a coal mining accident when she was only one year old. Her mother, Verona, eventually moved to Bath, New York with her family. She was brought up in the Roman Catholic faith and was a member of St. Mary's Church in Bath. Joann met her high school sweetheart, Richard Palmer, and they married on July 2, 1955 at St. Mary's Church. They had four children. She was a licensed beautician, working for her mother at Verona's Beauty Shop; cafeteria worker at Bath CSD; housewife; and daycare provider throughout her life. Her most rewarding and satisfying roles were that of mother and wife. Throughout her life she was afforded the blessing to live her life to the fullest and traveled throughout the United States on family vacations. She loved casinos and playing BINGO. She is survived by her husband, Richard Palmer and four children: Richard Palmer II (Joy), Diane Bly (Michael), Craig Palmer (Doreen) of Bath, NY, and Jeffrey Palmer (Erika) of Alexandria, VA. Her grandchildren Stacy Palmer, Brian Palmer (Mary), Gregory Palmer (Preksha), Angela Bly, Kristopher Bly (Amy), Michael Peck (Jen), Blake Palmer, Logan Palmer. Her great grandchildren Matthew Palmer and Mason Peck. Her siblings Margaret Baird (Roland) and Arnold Kish. She was predeceased by her parents, sister-in-law Helen Kish, and great-grandson Andrew Palmer. The family would like to thank The Taylor Center and CareFirst for the wonderful care that she received. Donations may be given to SPCA or Meals on Wheels in her memory. Calling hours were held on Sunday, November 30, 2014 from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. at Fagan's Funeral Home, 31 W. Morris St., Bath, NY. Mass was held Monday, December 1, 2014 at noon at St. Mary's Church, Bath, NY with Reverend Pat Connor, Celebrant.