Palmer, Carol Cleary

Brighton: June 3, 2017. Predeceased by her husband, David A.; son, Bernie and granddaughter, Lisa Beth Taylor. Survived by children, Jane (Ray) Glanton, Nancy (Roger) Palmer Veile, David H. (Sandie) Palmer, Julie (Frank Jr.) Raponi and Andrew (Kris) Palmer; daughter-in-law, Janet Palmer; 11 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; many beloved nieces and nephews.
Calling hours, Sunday 4-7 at the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home (Egypt location), 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Road, Fairport. Funeral Mass, Monday 11 AM at Our Lady Queen of Peace, 601 Edgewood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14618.

Carol Cleary Palmer

With the same grace, dignity and courage that she lived her life, Carol Cleary Palmer passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Saturday June 3, 2017 at the age of 89.

Carol is predeceased by her husband David A. Palmer, son Bernie Palmer, granddaughter Lisa Beth Taylor, sister Margaret Paddock, brother in law Wesley Paddock, sister Jeanne McCarthy, brother in law Lawrence McCarthy, brother John Cleary, and sister in law Mary Cleary.

She is survived by her children: Jane (Ray) Glanton of Windsor, California, Nancy Veile (Roger) of Coconut Creek FL, David H. (Sandie) Palmer of Fairport, NY, Julie (Frank) Raponi, Jr. of Fairport, NY, Andrew (Kris) Palmer of Dallas, Texas. And her daughter in law Janet Palmer of Encinitas. She is also survived by her grandchildren:

Kara Palmer Kong (Andrew)
Kimberly Palmer Watkins (Kyle)
Carolyn Glanton
Emily Glanton
David Palmer
Alex Palmer
Matt Raponi
Aimee Raponi
Ashleigh Palmer Wynn (David)
Erin Palmer
Morgan Palmer

And Great grandchildren:
Daric Palmer of Louisville, KY
Declan and Aiden Kong of San Diego, CA
Everleigh Wynn of Wichita Falls, TX

In addition to many beloved nieces and nephews, she was “Aunt Carol” or “CP” to several generations and cherished by her extended family and dear friends.

Carol was a strong believer in the importance of family and relationships. She was the matriarch of the family and demonstrated an infinite amount of encouragement, gentle wisdom and unconditional love. She raised 6 children by herself after her husband passed away in 1971. She was strong, tireless and a great role model.

Born in Avon, New York on December 6, 1927 to Loretta and John Cleary. She attended Avon schools. She graduated from Nazareth College, class of 1950, with a Bachelor’s degree in Art. She married David A. Palmer on October 6, 1951 at St Agnes Church in Avon. Carol became a social worker in 1958, was a member of the CSEA and retired in 1992 after 35 years as a Case Worker with the Monroe County Department of Social Services.

Carol will be fondly remembered for her family gatherings at her home in Brighton, including backyard picnics, holiday and birthday celebrations, candlelit dinners, and tea parties. In addition, Carol enjoyed the Arts. She ushered for GEVA theater and Pittsford Musicals, was a season ticket holder for RPO, and a member of the Landmark Society.

Carol was also active in her church. She had a deep and abiding faith. She volunteered her time generously, and lived her faith in her everyday actions.

Carol will always be remembered by her family with pride for her steadfast dedication to her ideals and values. Her loving care of and for others was well known. Selflessly she dedicated her life to others. She was a friend to many and frequently provided rides to those who needed transportation, a kind ear when someone needed to talk and she was always quick to invite a friend or relative to join her for a holiday meal, or cup of tea. She was very thoughtful and generous with her time.

She was always positive and encouraged others to keep positive thoughts as well. By her simple daily acts of kindness, she was a role model for others. Carol enjoyed spending time with family and friends and she gave tirelessly to others without complaint or any expectation of reciprocation. She was a pillar of strength to many; very often quietly stepping in to give a hug or drop off a meal, but never imposing on someone’s privacy.

She was kind, considerate and always thinking of those less fortunate, particularly children. As a social worker in Child Protective Services, she adamantly voiced her support of children’s rights.

In her retirement years Carol enjoyed traveling. Destinations included Austria, England, Ireland, Italy, Germany and Switzerland, Adirondack Mountains, Hawaii, Florida, California, Kentucky, Texas as well as Notre Dame football games and the Rose Bowl. She also participated in many social events with Nazareth College Alumni and the Retired Professional Society.

Hers was a life well lived. She brought joy and laughter to everyone who was privileged to know her. Over the years she has made many friends with her smile, loving heart, and thoughtful gestures. Her love is irreplaceable and will be forever in our hearts. A loving, generous person, her influence was widely and deeply felt by her large, extended Irish family and innumerable friends. She will be dearly missed by her family and all her knew her.

Calling hours will be Sunday June 11 from 4:00-7:00 pm (at the Egypt location) and the Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday June 12 at 11:00 am at Our Lady Queen of Peace School on Edgewood Avenue in Brighton.

The family wishes to thank the Jewish Home for the comfort and care they provided.