Brenda J. Theriault-Palmer

PALMER, Brenda J., 73 of High Point, Brooksville, FL died peacefully on Thursday, January 15, 2015 at HPH Hospice Care Center in Brooksville after a long battle with COPD and pulmonary fibrosis. She was born in Randolph, Vermont on May 9, 1941 to Theron W. and Alice V. (Harrison) Peck. Brenda graduated from Braintree-Randolph Union H.S., class of 1959. Upon graduation she worked for Drs. Reid and Black of Randolph and also at Gifford Memorial Hospital. She married Richard J. Theriault on Nov. 5, 1961 with whom she had three children, (the first son, Theron Guy Theriault predeceased her). There were several good and happy years for the family of four until Brenda was widowed at the age of 32 in 1973. While raising her then 7 and 9 year old son and daughter, Brenda was accepted in the P.A.C.E. Program at Trinity College in Burlington, Vermont. She completed her B.A. degree in clinical psychology. Shortly thereafter, she began working as a personal secretary to The Right Reverend Robert S. Kerr – Episcopal Bishop of the Diocese of Vermont and later for his replacement, The Rt. Reverend Daniel Swenson. During this time she met and fell in love with Walter Palmer and in 1981 remarried. With five children of his own, they created a “blended” family that mom fondly referred to as “His, Mine and Ours”. In 1987, Walter and Brenda relocated to Ft. Myers, FL. They enjoyed “the golden years” traveling with tour groups and dining out. Brenda was also an avid reader, enjoyed collecting sea shells and loved all animals, particularly her cats. In the mid 1990’s, another move brought Terry and Brenda to Wesley Chapel to be closer to her parents in Zephyrhills. Over the next ten to fifteen years, Terry and Brenda traveled. One special summer trip they visited many of the National Parks in America together. Travel brought them north to Vermont for family reunions, adult children’s summer weddings, winter weddings and the blessed arrival of several new grandchildren. During this time, she had a job that was a great enjoyment to her as a human resources manager at Saddlebrook Golf and Tennis club. Eventually, as her folks health began to fail, and with the sudden and tragic loss of her beloved father in February of 2000, she chose to leave her job to spend time with her mom, who died in March, 2001. Ironically, Brenda suffered from nearly the same lung disease as did her mother. We, as family, were blessed and fortunate to have so many wonderful and joyful years with Brenda. In recent years, as her breathing grew more labored and the 02 cannula became her constant “companion”, she never lost her unique outlook on life and pleasure in living it. She wrote a poem to be published entitle “The Robbery” where she stated that her illness would not robber from the love and power from a “Higher Source”. Those who know her well know she is now leading the choir in heaven and has not stopped talking since she arrived! She is survived by her husband: Walter (Terry); daughter: Suzette L. Theriault and partner Sheila of Brooksville, FL; son: Richard J. Theriault II and wife Vivian of Cape Coral, FL and their children: Hannah and Ian. The Palmer children include Debra P. Crone and husband Larry of Barnet, VT, Susan L. Faryniarz and husband Joseph of Essex Jct., VT, Dwight and Shawna of Milton, VT and their children: Courtney, Rebecca and Kyle, Paul M. Palmer and wife Colleen of Jeffersonville, VT and their children: Brandon, Ashley, Olivia and Julia, Karen E. Cole and husband Charles of Essex, VT and their sons: Justin, andy and Charles James, II. She also leaves her brother: Theron W. Peck, Jr. and wife Melanie of Galina, MO; several nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. In addition to her parents and son, she was predeceased by her grandson: Ethan Georges. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2015 at 10:00am at Merritt Funeral Home,  Spring Hill Chapel. Services in Vermont will be announced at a later date. Contributions can be made to the American Lung Association and St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Colchester, VT. The family would like to thank the Oak Hill ICU staff for the superlative care.