Betty Palmer

CAPE ELIZABETH – Betty Palmer, 89, passed away on May 11, 2021 at Cape Memory Care, a Woodlands Senior Living Facility, after a period of declining health. She was born on Dec. 10, 1931, in Portland, the daughter of Henry N. and Amelia M.(Lavoie) Tetrault. Betty grew up in Portland and graduated from Deering High School. She completed her education at what was then Westbrook Junior College. Betty went to school on Stevens Avenue, in Portland, her entire life. After graduating, she met her future husband, Donald S. Palmer Sr. They married, had a family and celebrated 62 years of marriage before his death in 2015.Betty was the consummate homemaker and family was the most important thing in her life. She enjoyed doing many things for her family, but baking was her specialty. She would bake nine different pies for Thanksgiving dinner and at least a dozen pork pies for Christmas. There were always cookies and brownies in her kitchen. She was also an avid reader and enjoyed doing crossword puzzles. She loved to walk and swim to stay in shape. Both she and her husband were avid sports fans. They were die hard Red Sox fans and were so happy they lived to see them win another World Series. They were season ticket holders for the Maine Mariners and Portland Pirates hockey teams. They also enjoyed watching the New England Patriots and she was one of Tom Brady’s biggest fans, she even had the hat to prove it!Betty and her husband, Don, were loyal members of the BPOE Elks, here in Portland, where she proudly served as secretary for the Emblem Club for many years. They enjoyed many Wednesday night suppers, dances and bingo games there with friends.Betty was happiest of all when she was spending time with her family and friends at their summer camp on Bonny Eagle Pond where everyone was welcome. She also loved traveling to Florida every spring with her entire family in tow. These are some of the memories her entire family will cherish.In addition to her parents, Betty was predeceased by her husband, Donald S. Palmer Sr., her son, Donald S. Palmer Jr. and both of her brothers, John and Robert Tetrault.She is survived by her daughters, Mary S. Palmer and Barbara A. French (Rich Nichuals); five grandchildren, Kristopher D. Brady and wife Yvonne, Amanda S. Dumais and husband Jean Paul, Nicholas R. French, Casey C. French and Stephen L. Molina; three great-grandchildren, Abigail, Zakk and Bentley and her niece, Sandra Palmer Anton and husband Alex.The family would like to express our deepest appreciation to the staff at Cape Memory Care and Beacon Hospice, especially Bev, for the loving care she received.Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside memorial service for Betty at 11 a.m., on Saturday, June 5, at Brooklawn Memorial Park in Portland, 202 Congress St. A reception will follow at the family’s camp on Bonny Eagle Pond, in Buxton. All are welcome to attend.
All are welcome to attend.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Make-A-Wish Maine Foundation


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