Deanna Smith Palmer

Deanna Smith Palmer, 76, died peacefully on December 31, 2014 surrounded by her family. Deanna was born in Morrisville, Vermont on December 23, 1938, the daughter of Rudolph and Louise (Allen) Smith. Deanna graduated from Peoples Academy and later Johnson State College with a degree in teaching. She married the love of her life, James H. Palmer on August 25, 1957. After graduating from Johnson State College, she began her teaching career. Her plans to teach took a slight detour when she became a Mom and later joined her husband to own and run Palmer's Inc. for the next 50 years. Deanna loved being at the counter greeting all the customers whom she considered part of the Palmer Family. Anyone who knew Deanna, knew that she loved to visit.

Deanna and Jim cherished their summers on beautiful Lake Elmore at the Palmer family camp. They especially enjoyed hosting Sunday breakfasts, cooking pancakes, eggs and bacon.....oh the many pounds of bacon...over an open fire for 75+ people! Hosting the Allen Family Reunions was a favorite for everyone. Deanna made the Palmer family camp feel like home to all who came to visit.

Deanna and her husband enjoyed many trips with friends and family, including trips to Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Rome, Bermuda and Washington, D.C. Deanna treasured the Florida vacations with the Hale & Towle families. She loved to be surrounded by her family and friends, often snowmobiling, waterskiing, many hours spent sugaring, and listening to the kids sing along with the player piano. Her smile and kindness will be missed by many.

She is survived by her loving husband, James H. Palmer and brother, David Smith and his wife, Jean. She is also survived by her children: Deborah Palmer­Fagnant and husband, David; Brian Palmer and close friend, Jerri Hurlburt; Monica Morrissey and husband, Brian; Sheri Palmer, and close friend, Bertram Grant. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Melissa & fiance, Ray Sansoucy & Andrea Fagnant, Paige & Cole Palmer, Shamus & Patrick Morrissey, Brian, Meagan, Kristen & Jamie Merrill; a nephew and niece: Eric Smith and Beth Spaulding.

Funeral services were held Saturday, January 3, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Congregational Church in Morrisville. Interment will be in the spring in Pleasant View Cemetery. Faith Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made by visiting faithfh.net.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Deanna’s memory may be to the First Congregational Church, P.O. Box 475, Morrisville, VT 05661 or Lamoille Area Cancer Network, 198 Farr Avenue, Morrisville, VT 05661.