NEWPORT – Olive J. Palmer, 87, died peacefully Friday, Jan. 14, 2011, in Pittsfield. She was born Oct. 13, 1923, in Dixmont, the daughter of Leroy and Ivy (Simpson) Stevenson. She helped her family with farm chores and graduated from Bangor High School, Class of 1941. She married Robert Palmer in March 1942, moved to Newport and together they had five daughters. She was a cook for 20 years in local restaurants, including owning her own establishment for seven years. She was also employed for many years in area shoe shops as a supervisor until 1981. She retired from Guilford of Maine in 1990, and to keep busy she returned to work parttime at Plaza Laundry, Newport. During the 1950s, she helped the bowling alley start up the Women’s Bowling League, where she served as president and treasurer for many years. In the 1970s, she helped organize the Fireman’s Auxiliary and served them as president, as well as held other offices. In the 1990s, she was elected president of the UBB of Newport High Street Church and held that office until 2001. She is survived by her sister, Vera Stevenson of Newport; three daughters, Donna Jude and her husband, Rene Albert, of Livermore Falls, Sally Leighton and her husband, George, of California and Penny Palmer of Newport; six grandchildren, Sherry Jude, Shelly Jude, Robert Jude, Elizabeth Bullock, Vance Leighton and Vanessa Leighton; and six great-grandchildren, Nick, Emily, Andrew, Taylor, Madison and Dylan. She was predeceased by her husband, Robert; her daughters, Joyce and Janice; three brothers, Kenneth, John and Dana; and five sisters, Beulah Ludden, Arline Harris, Mabelle Hunt, Nellie Cleveland and Myra Harris. The family will receive friends 1-2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 20, at Shorey-Nichols Funeral Home, 191 Hartland Ave., Pittsfield, with funeral services 2 p.m. with the Rev. Al Worden officiating. A gathering will be held after the service at the funeral home. A private committal service will be held in the spring at Riverside Cemetery, Newport. Should friends desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Olive’s memory to Newport High Street Church, 25 High St., Newport, ME 04953. Care for the family has been provided by Shorey-Nichols Funeral Home, Pittsfield. To leave a message of kindness for the family, please visit www.shoreynichols.com. <>
OLIVE J. PALMER
