Obituary of Madeline M. Palmer

Age 98, passed away peacefully at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center on Monday, September 17, 2018. A daughter of Anthony and Isabelle Rochelle Kelly, Madeline was born in Mildred PA on August 15, 1920. She was predeceased by her husband James R. Palmer; daughters, Mary Colleen and Bernadette Palmer; brothers, Joseph, Fred, Dominic, Tim and Ralph; sisters, Lucy, Phyllis, Anna and Rita. Madeline is survived by son and daughter-in-law James J. and Mary Palmer; daughter and son-in-law, Catherine and Ronald Hollenbeck, all of Elmira; grandchildren, Matthew Palmer, Patrick Palmer, 1 Sgt. Andrew (Tierra) Palmer - US Army Retired, and Joshua (Kelly) Palmer; 7 great grandchildren; brother Edward Kelly of Endicott NY; and several nieces and nephews. Madeline was a loving wife, wonderful mother, and adoring grandmother. She was an avid gardener, and was accomplished at sewing, knitting, crocheting, and embroidery. She enjoyed reading biographies, and was a proud New York Mets fan. She was famous for her Italian Christmas dinners and Christmas cookie trays. She also had a great love for chocolate. Madeline was a devout Catholic with a special devotion to the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph. She was a former longtime communicant of St. Cecilia's Church. While attending St. Cecilia's, she was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society, serving in many capacities including president. In addition to being a religious education teacher, Madeline served on the Catholic school board. For the past 22 years she had been a communicant of Our Lady of Lourdes Church. The Palmer family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Mesina Pacete for the companionship and loving care she gave to Madeline over the last three and a half years. Family and friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water St. Elmira, on Friday, September 21, 2018 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. A prayer service will be held at the conclusion of visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Church. Services will conclude with committal prayers and interment at Woodlawn National Cemetery. Donations in memory of Madeline may be directed to either, the Josh Palmer Fund, P O Box 3223, Elmira NY 14905 or the West Elmira Branch of the Steele Memorial Library, 1231 W. Water Street, Elmira NY 14905.