Celine Danielle Palmer

Celine Danielle Palmer, 24, passed away Wednesday August 31, 2022 at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, IN after a prolonged stay as a result of serious complications related to her disease of addiction. She was born March 30, 1998 in Fort Wayne, IN, the daughter of Carol Palmer and the late David Palmer. Coincidentally, although it wasn’t known at the time, she was born 30 years, to the day, after the famous singer with whom she shared her name, Celine Dion.

She had a huge heart and anyone who met her, loved her. Celine was fearless, feisty, outspoken, full of humor, and stood strong for the things and people she loved. She had a talent of gold to put a smile on anyone’s face no matter their mood. Celine had a beautiful soul, but she struggled with the disease of addiction as many in our world do. She was clean for 6 weeks in April. She got to bond and play with her son and 2 nephews and spend quality time with her older sister Alyssa during those 6 weeks. Our family was so proud to see her do so well after detoxing on her own without medical help due to the drive of her heart and strong-willed mind. Substance use disorder and addiction is so encompassing and unfortunately took ahold of her again. A few short weeks into her drug use, she became extremely ill. Although she detested hospitals and doctors, she couldn’t hardly move and was in too much pain to ignore.

She was hospitalized for 2 months before finally succumbing to various infections. She underwent over 20 procedures and surgeries and continued to fight through excruciating pain. Ultimately, due to her IV drug use with a possible dirty needle, toxic additive in the drugs, or both, she developed several infections and one that eventually became resistant to any antibiotics. The infections shut down her kidneys, raised her liver values to dangerous levels, ate away at her lungs, and spread to her heart. She had to undergo emergency open heart surgery to replace a valve that was severely damaged from the septic vegetation collecting in the tricuspid valve.

Her soul wanted to fight, she wanted to live, but her body couldn’t hold on any longer. Celine wanted the world to hear her story in hope of it reaching just ONE person that needs help. There so many families out there who struggle with a loved one and substance use disorder. Celine’s hope was to share her journey in hopes of saving even one life. Overdosing is only one fear for family and friends of an addict. The medical repercussions are life changing and can result in lifelong pain and suffering.

She came to peace with the fact that she would not come home to us, but she was welcomed into the loving arms of her father, David L. Palmer, who passed in January of 2021. She had many friends who she lost over the years to this awful disorder and hoped that her fellow addicts who are still living take her story and get help. Her family are at peace knowing that she is happy, healthy, and watching over us.

If anyone would like to reach out to our family for support or to know more about Celine’s story, fell free to contact us at [email protected]. Memorials may be made to The Mom of an Addict support group here in Fort Wayne.

Celine is survived by her 2 moms, Carol and Doni Palmer, her 5 year old son Oliver Palmer, older sisters Alyssa and Dr. Kendra Palmer, grandparents Beth Hammond, Rebecca Palmer, Wayne and Jane Palmer, and several nephews and cousins. A private celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Arrangements by D.O. McComb and Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home 1140 Lake Ave. Fort Wayne, IN. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.mccombandsons.com