Betty L. Palmer

Mrs. Betty L. Palmer lived a remarkable 97 years. She was born in the small rural town of Woodstock, Illinois on March 18, 1923 and died in McLean, Virginia in the morning hours of April 10, 2020. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of over 7 decades, Roy V. Palmer, on July 7, 2018 and her son, Mark, in January of 1961.

Betty was raised by 2 aunts and grew up during the Great Depression. She would frequently recall how her aunts left home-cooked food on the back kitchen steps for the "hobos" riding the trains passing not far from her house. She studied music at Illinois Wesleyan University and there met her significant other, Roy. They married in Bloomington, Illinois after Roy returned from serving in the South Pacific during WWII. They settled in Washington D.C. where Roy obtained his Masters degree and joined the Central Intelligence Agency.

Through the next decade, they made their home in Iran, India and Turkey. In each of these locations, together they taught their family the joys of travel and of discovery of the history, geography and culture of these countries. Countless family road trips were taken visiting ancient ruins and other historical and cultural sites. Seeing, however, was not all there was - our taste buds were delighted by our introduction to kabobs and curries, strange breads and exotic fruits. Both Betty and Roy had an understanding of and respect for cultural differences and shared that with everyone. Betty was always ready to celebrate with family and friends.

Eventually retiring to McLean, their home quickly became a destination point where guests could take comfort in Betty's home cooked meals, which included cuisine from their travels, and generous hospitality. She was the epitome of a true homemaker, waking at the crack of dawn and beginning her daily routine in her kitchen, planning and preparing food for her family and friends, always having delightful sweets to greet her guests. In addition to her excellent skills as a cook, she was always involved in a handmade project such as knitting, quilting, sewing, or embroidery. Betty was a longtime active member of the Lewinsville Presbyterian Church where she was involved in many activities including singing in the choir and playing handbells. She is survived by her 4 children (Stephen, Cynthia, Catherine, and John), daughters-in-law (Jennifer and Debbie), son-in-law (Randy), 6 grandchildren (Kristin, Blair, Garrett, Cassady, Quinn, and Wes), and spouses (Dave, Krista, and Melissa) and two great-grandchildren (Emily and Dylan). Suggested donations: The National Audubon Society and The Fairfax Symphony.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below with the Betty L. Palmer family.