Mary C Palmer

Born To Robert and Ruby Clough, February 2, 1918, Mary was known for her ability to bloom where she was planted, competitive gamesmanship, and perfect piecrusts.

Mary and Theodore J. Palmer married on September 4, 1938 and remained each other’s soft place to fall until Ted’s death in 2008.

Mary is survived by her four children; Jane Palmer (Warren Dillon), Nancy McKinnon (Doug), Carol Kruckeberg (Walt), and Bill Palmer (Kaye); as well as seven grandchildren, Mary Galley (Kevin), Jennifer Rick (Brian), Joseph Gargiulo (Erica), Angela Adams, Andrew Kruckeberg (Sheri), Molly Rose Forsman (Todd) and Carrie Hall (Justin).

There are 10, very soon to be 11, great-grandchildren, Taylor, Megan and Camille Galley, Anya and Madeline Rick, Kate Gargiulo, Mitchell Adams, Zachary and Alex Kruckeberg, and Mia Rose and Baby Boy Hall.

Mary was preceded in death by three sisters, Rosamond, Thora and Ruby, her brother, John, as well as by her grandaughter Sara Beth Kruckeberg.

Although orphaned at an early age, somehow, with no model, Mary became a “home-maker” in the true sense of the word; meals as a family everyday, served up in the kitchen nook, Mom-sewn school clothes, prom dresses and bridal gowns, matching shirts for family vacations. She gave her kids roots as well as wings

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She played all kinds of games from Go-Fish with the grandkids to Bridge with anyone available. She was happily competitive and often said, “You may win, but I’m not going to LET you win”; a game-player’s motto as well as a metaphor for life’s hardships. Cruising with the family for their 60th wedding anniversary, Mom and Dad even won the ship’s “Newlywed Game.”

In her last 3 years, Mary extended her family to include the beyond-belief Caregivers at Sherwood Assisted Living. The entire Sherwood staff provided unparalleled love and support at a difficult time for "Mary Blue Eyes", as well as for her family. Mary says, “thank-you” and behave yourselves!

A private celebration of our Mom's life will be held in Bellingham on Mothers' Day.

Arrangements under the direction of Sequim Valley Funeral Chapel, Sequim, WA.