Mary Palmer

Mary Palmer, 96, of Manns Choice, passed away on Saturday, March 1, 2008 at Rowser’s Foster Home.  She was born January 25, 1912 in Alicia, PA, daughter of the late Charles and Anna (Venarsky) Cornett.  She is survived by her son, Paul G. Palmer Jr., married to the former Linda Howlett of Bridport, VT, her daughter, Mary Annette Palmer-Garland, wife of Sam Garland of Buffalo Mills, five grandchildren, fourteen great- grandchildren and two sisters: Elsie Hazuda of Masontown and Helen (Mitzi) Jarson of Donora.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul G. Palmer on February 20, 1979, a brother, John Cornett, a sister, Anna Donelich and two infant brothers.

Although born and raised in the Russian Orthodox faith, Mary attended services at local protestant churches and was active in the Ladies Bible Class of Milligans Cove – Buffalo Mills and Trinity Lutheran Women of Madley.  Enjoying volunteer activities, she was previously a member of the Tall Cedars of Lebanon Cedarettes of Everett, Republican Women of Bedford County, Buffalo Mills Grange and the RSVP of Bedford.  She also served on the Harrison TWP election board of Buffalo Mills, participated in County Home Extension activities and helped collect for the American Cancer Society.

Mary was a homemaker who enjoyed working outdoors in her vegetable and flower gardens, especially caring for her roses.  In younger years, she worked as a practical nurse in New York City and locally she occasionally assisted as waitress/hostess at the White Sulfur Springs Hotel.  She enjoyed singing, dancing, crocheting and sewing, making many of her own dresses and home decorations.

Mary especially loved to travel.  She visited approximately 100 countries on six continents.  Being able to meet people from all over the world and experience different cultures and traditions was one of the greatest joys of her life.  She and her travel stories will be greatly missed.

Funeral Services: Friday March 7, 2008 at 11:00 am in the chapel at Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford with Rev. Paul Claycomb and Rev. H. John Miller officiating.  Burial at the Milligans Cove Christian Church Cemetery.  Friends will be received on Thursday from 7-9 pm and one hour prior to the service on Friday morning at the funeral home.  Those wishing may send flowers to the funeral home, or memorial contributions to Rowser’s Foster Home, 200 Rest Home Road, Manns Choice, PA  15550.  Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.