Palmer, Mary Beloved wife, mother, grandma and great-grandma, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Thursday, October 10, 2024 at the age of 91 years. Born and raised in Morell, PEI, to loving parents, Tena and Alban MacAdam, she was the third-youngest of twelve children. After completing grade nine at the little red schoolhouse in Morell, she attended Notre Dame Academy in Charlottetown for her high school studies. While working at the Bank of Nova Scotia in Morell, she worked with her future husband and soul mate, Louis (Kilmer) Palmer. They married on September 3, 1956, and enjoyed 68 wonderful, loving years together. Lou's banking career led them to various cities and towns across Nova Scotia, and Mary's warm, friendly nature nurtured lifelong friends wherever they lived. In 1970, they settled in beautiful Antigonish. In 2022, Mary and Lou moved back to PEI, happy to be surrounded by their family once again. They left a piece of their hearts behind though, feeling grateful for the many friendships and happy memories they had cultivated in Antigonish. Embracing her vocation as mother and wife, she selflessly devoted her life to her family. She was a woman of strong faith and raised her children in the Catholic faith, encouraging them to practice their religion, and reminded them often that "God is good." Deeply committed to her community, she volunteered in many charities and church committees including: The Catholic Women's League, the Christopher Leadership Course, Parish Council, numerous Liturgical Ministry positions, and Worldwide Marriage Encounter. For Mary, life was not about getting but about giving, and she gave her time generously. Her most cherished work was with St. Ninian's Pastoral Care Ministry, where she visited sick, elderly and dying parishioners at the hospital. Her natural empathetic nature, along with her exceptional listening skills, allowed her to connect easily with patients. There was not a charity she wouldn't canvass for, and it took her days to complete such duties because she would often stop for tea and conversations at many households. Mary always sought to brighten the days of others. She served up many meals over the years to St. FX students who were homesick or in need of a home-cooked meal. Spending time with people of all ages was a priority for her and Lou and together they touched many lives doing so. Her genuine love, care, and concern for family and friends shone through in her prayers and the countless cards she would send out on various occasions - she certainly kept Hallmark in business! And through it all, she was always proud of her PEI roots. Mary deeply cherished her wonderful memories from her youth. She loved to share stories of the laughter and joy in her family growing up, which included singsongs in the parlor, dancing in the dining room, praying the rosary in the kitchen, and cheering for her brothers at their hockey games. She often remarked how grateful she was for such a wonderful childhood. A true champion for the underdog, she would approach anyone alone at a gathering, making them feel special with her full attention. She appreciated life's simple pleasures and had a deep sensitivity to the beauty of nature, particularly the colors of fall. While she loved food, her passion for dancing surpassed all; she said she would rather dance than eat, leading her and Lou to often dance the night away at parties and dances. Summers at their cottage in Lakeside, PEI, were precious to her. She played countless games of Hearts, joyfully passing the Queen of Spades to unsuspecting players while laughing heartily at their misfortune! She especially cherished visits from friends and relatives, treating them to her famous homemade biscuits and jam, along with a cup of tea. Mary had a distinctive, quick, contagious laugh, especially when she was with her sister, Jean. She also got a lot of laughs with her quick wit. Mary was the heart and soul of her family, creating many special traditions that brought joy over the years. She leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion and kindness and her family and friends will miss her dearly. Mary is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Louis (Kilmer) Palmer; her children, Chris (Jan) Palmer of Bedford, Lynne (Pat) Bradley of Suffolk, PEI, Maureen (Brad) Barrie of Calgary, AB and Michael (Catharine) Palmer of Calgary, AB. Also left to mourn her passing are her 12 grandchildren whom she adored and loved deeply, Justin (Sarah Jane) Bradley, Laura (Matt) Theoret, Gregory Bradley, Ellen Palmer (Matt Gleddie), Kathleen (Seán) soon-to-be Feeney, Matthew Barrie, Aly (James) soon-to-be Murch, Jack Barrie, Kyra Barrie, Andrew Palmer, Ryan Palmer and Jenna Palmer as well as one adorable great grandchild, Joshua Theoret. Also left to mourn her loss are her loving in-laws, Bill O'Hanley, Daphne MacAdam, Marion MacAdam, Mary Louise MacDonald Collins, Norbert (Mary) Palmer, Mickey (Ann) Palmer, Joan Larkin, Richard (Debbie) Palmer, Paul Palmer, Jane (Peter) MacAdam, and Cindy Palmer (Kris MacDougall), as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her infant son, Greg; daughter, Colleen Monier; son-in-law, Bill Monier; brother-in-law, Pat Larkin; and Paula Mullen, partner of Paul Palmer. Mary was the last surviving member of a family of 12 children. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alban and Tena MacAdam, and her siblings, along with their spouses, Gerry MacAdam, Rita (Cecil) McCarthy, Carl (Helen) MacAdam, A.J. (Ethel) MacAdam, Francis (Stashie) MacAdam, Bertram MacAdam, Reginald (Jean) MacAdam, Jean O'Hanley, Walter MacAdam, infant Donald and Anna (Gil) Collins. The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful staff at The Mount Continuing Care Community for the exceptional care and compassion during her time there. Your kindness and dedication made a profound difference in her life and brought comfort to our family. Resting at the North Shore Funeral Home, Morell, for visitation on Tuesday, October 15th from 6-8 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Theresa, The Little Flower Roman Catholic church in Morell on Wednesday, October 16th at 2 p.m. Interment in the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mary's memory may be made to the Holy Trinity Catholic Pastoral Unit: PEI or to the Alzheimer's Society of Canada. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted with North Shore Funeral Home, Morell. www.northshorefuneralhome.ca
Mary PALMER — Mount Continuing Care
