Lynn Helen Palmer, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend, passed away Sunday August 31 at Danbury Hospital with her family at her side.
Born in Long Branch, NJ, on April 8, 1950, Lynn was the daughter of Alvord Palmer, of Palm Harbor, FL, and the late Dolores Testa Palmer. Lynn was a resident of Danbury for 47 years.
A graduate of Danbury High School and Seton Hill College, Lynn was a reference librarian at WCSU's main library for 29 years. Her greatest passion was working for 23 years as head of the library at Saint Joseph School, Danbury, where she devoted so many hours, few knew it was a volunteer position.
Lynn was known in her neighborhood as the woman who walked no matter what the weather conditions, often accompanied by a family dog. Favorite hikes included the trails of the White Memorial, Litchfield, with her husband; the Walk off the Turkey event, from the Battery to the GW Bridge with her son and husband; and an 80-mile weeklong hike on the Dales Way footpath in Yorkshire, UK, with her daughter. She will be remembered for never forgetting a birthday and for sending a card on every occasion. Lynn was also loved for her wonderful, dry wit.
Lynn is survived by her husband of 37 years, John Hoffman, of Danbury; her daughter, Julie Palmer-Hoffman, of New Haven; her son, Jonathan Palmer-Hoffman, of New York; her father, Al Palmer, and grandmother, Florence Palmer, both of Palm Harbor, FL; her brother and sister-in-law, Ralph and Dawn Palmer, Scituate, RI; dear friends Rosemary and Harold Hughes, of Danbury; and numerous extended family.
The family wish to thank the staff, particularly the nurses, of Yale's Smilow Cancer Hospital and Danbury Hospital, for their kindness; and extended family and friends for their love and support over the past 3 years.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 10am at St. Joseph Church, 8 Robinson Ave. at Main St., Danbury. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.
The family will receive friends on Thursday from 4pm – 8pm at the Green Funeral Home, 57 Main St., Danbury.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a small donation to the Saint Joseph School Library, 370 Main St, Danbury, CT 06810; or to Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut, 39 Old Ridgebury Rd, Danbury, CT 06810.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
September 11, 2014
Debora Sterling
John -- I was shocked when I got to the 8th floor of Smilow this morning to hear of Lynn's passing. When I saw her the last time, she seemed really good. I will miss the hugs she gave me, the interest she took in my family, and the laughs we used to have together. This is why, at times, it's so hard for me to work at Smilow. I love all my patients but some are very special to me and Lynn was at the head of the list. My thoughts and prayers go to you and to your family. A nicer lady I have never met. Debbie (Volunteer at Smilow)
September 9, 2014
Elizabeth Ordway
I first met Lynn when I was hired as a 3rd grade teacher at St. Joseph School. It was my first job out of school and I was extremely nervous, to say the least. Lynn's calming presence and quiet sense of humor helped me throught those first few years of teaching. I loved taking my students to the library just so I would have a chance to talk to her and hear her perspective on life. She taught me that if you truly care about something, you don't count the hours it takes to care for it. I'll always remember Lynn giving up so much of her summer vacation to organize and PAINT the school library. Amazing! Lynn taught by example and I will forever be grateful that I had the chance to know someone who possessed such grace and kindness.
September 8, 2014
Armand Tessaglia
Ralph and your family - so sorry to hear the news of your loss
September 8, 2014
Lynn, John sat sveral rows in front of my wife and I. Remembering her will remind me of her warm smile to every one she saw. She always had a kind word. I will miss her.
September 6, 2014
judy uhrmacher
Cousin Lynn will always have fond memories in my life. She was my sponsor for my confirmation when I was 12 years old in Pittsburgh, PA. At the time she was attending college at Seton Hill College. We had the chance to get to know each other although we were cousins living so far apart. Then again when her daughter attended a college close to us here in VA. She will be missed. Love Judy Testa Uhrmacher
September 5, 2014
Claire Austin
I did not know Lynn, but I work with her son Jonathan and through knowing him, I can see that she was a great mom and a wonderful person.
September 5, 2014
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
September 4, 2014
Lucille Bouchard
Lynn was a very kind and caring person. She and I shared a great love of all things literacy and a great passion for reading! I remember when my youngest was an infant, she volunteered to take care of him, so I could be Library Mom for one of my older children. It meant a lot to me and I have never forgotten it. May God bless her and all of you, Julie, John, and Jonathan and comfort you at this sad and difficult time.
September 4, 2014
Connie Truong-Ngo
Lynn was a wonderful person, mother, wife, friend, librarian......always kind, sweet, genuine, caring to everyone and we all love her for that. With our prayers of peace and loving memories help to bring comfort and healing to your hearts. We all will miss Lynn. Love, Ngo-Truong Family(San Diego)
September 4, 2014
Jim Pegolotti
What a joy to have worked with Lynn many years at Haas Library. She was a great listener, a woman of smiles and wit, someone who lit up the reference desk by being there. May angels escort you to heaven.
September 4, 2014
Julia Bird
Julie and your family - so sorry to hear your news - Love Julia (Balham) x
September 4, 2014
You were and are a great inspiration to us all. You volunteered so much of your time to the St. Joseph Library. You were kind and sweet and really cared about the kids. You remembered all the students who went to the school, not just by sight but by name and their likes and dislikes. You attended our school plays even when you were sick my deepest condolences go out to your family. Your passing is a great loss to them and all of us. I know that God has another angel and you are no longer in pain. My whole family will miss you.
Love
Lisa Hawk. Jim Hawk, Jimmy Hawk and Colleen Hawk
September 4, 2014
albert espost
Lynn was a very nice lady in our neighborhood, she walked every day as a routine. She always asked about my kids in college, we will miss Lynn!
Please accept our condolences.
Albert & Seneca
September 4, 2014
Teresa Saunders
Lynn was a wonderful reference librarian at the Haas Library (WCSU). She enjoyed helping the students and was friend to all of us that worked there. I know I will miss her a lot.
September 3, 2014
Jonathan, Julie and John,
May the happiest memories bring you peace of heart. Our most fervent prayers and our extension of love is with each of you. Kevin, Mary, Kathleen and Connor Maloney
September 3, 2014
Deborah Russo
Lynn, a candle and prayer to you in your honor - I knew you a very long time ago and you etched in good memories for us all - say hi to Roger Waite.
September 3, 2014
Anne Marie De Stefano
Lynn was a lovely lady. I knew her from Immaculate and St. Joseph. God rest her soul.
September 3, 2014
Kitty Gebhardt
Lynn,Iknew you for such a short time,but will hold your memory in my heart.Condolences to the loving family. Kitty
September 3, 2014
FLORENCE PALMER
I will miss you dearly. I LOVE you. You had a heart of gold. We will meet again REST IN PEACE
September 3, 2014
carolyn amicangelo
We had the pleasure of meeting.I loved the way you always had such a postive look on life.We had some good laughs about your grandma. You will be missed.There is another angel among us. Until we meet again my freind.
September 3, 2014
Bobbie Schirmer
Lynn,
You were a wonderful, kind and caring friend to us and we will always remember you with love and admiration. Will miss our walks.
Love,
Bobbie & Al
September 3, 2014
Susan Gabriele
I only knew Lynn as my customer at the bank, but remember her as a very pleasant lady. Condolences to all her family and friends.
September 2, 2014
Lynn, You were truly another sister to me. I will always miss you and love you. Jan
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