Marie Palmer

Former Great Falls resident, Marie Palmer, who has been living in Kalispell, Montana for the 3 years, has passed away from complications of Alzheimer's'.

Marie born in Ipswich, South Dakota, May 16, 1922, and came to Montana at a very early age, about 2 years old. S

She grew up on the Westside of Great Falls, Montana and went to Franklin School and graduating from Great Falls High School in 1941.

“Early years were tough.  As all who went through the “Depression Era”, we were lucky in many ways, as I can never remember being hungry, as many were”. During this time Marie’s father was laid off from the railroad. He went on to be one of the workers that helped build the beautiful arch wall in Gibson Park, something Marie was always proud of.She married Wesley Palmer, May 1, 1946 in Helena, Montana.They were married 1 week shy of 47 years.

Marie’s work years included more than 20 years at the Rainbow Hotel, which at that time belonged to the Western Hotel Chain.  She was chosen to represent the hotel at the Hawaiian Village the year Hawaii became a state in 1959.  She made the comment, “It was interesting to go back years later and see how very commercialized Hawaii had become”.Wes and Marie traveled to England, Europe, Africa, Hawaii, and some cruises were always fond memories for her. After retirement, Wes and Marie spent much of their time camping and fishing. Marie loved to play bridge and shanghi, and continued to do so until 2009.  Over the years, Marie spent countless hours volunteering for the Red Cross Blood drives in Great Falls. She made stunning afghans for friends and family.

Survived by children: Bob Dewey, Linda ( Jerry). Sue (Ron) Wesley Jr.5 grand children: DaraLee (Steve), Shane (Michelle), Ryan( Lauren), Heather (Brad) and Jerrett (Renae) .6 great-grand children:  A sister and walking partner, Dorothy  Boettcher and sister-in-law Kay Thares.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Wesley, a sister, Louise, 4 brothers: Nick, Matt, and Jim, Joe and 1 half brother, Andy Schile.

"There is no love like a Mother's love
No stronger bond on earth…
When her days on earth are over,
A Mother's love lives on…
Through many generations,
With God's blessings on each one."
author. Jill Lemmings

Arrangements being handled by Buffalo Hills Funeral Home. Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

Donations can be made to :

1. Frontier Hospice
2. 42 Bruyer Way
3. Kalispell, Montana 59901

or to the Montana Chapter of Alzheimer's