Maryann Palmer

Mary A. Palmer, 84, of Cos Cob passed from this life to the next at the family home she and her beloved husband, the late Robert M. Palmer, purchased to celebrate their love for each other and those born as a result of this love. Her children Mark A. Palmer and Nancy I. Palmer-Rillstone (James) held her as she made this passage.

She is survived by her grandchildren Paige N. Szygiel (Precious Paige) and Kenneth B. Szygiel (Darling Kenny) and their father Bernard S. Szygiel; her beloved sister Ellen R. Silva (Nina), niece and goddaughter Theresa R. Zipprich and great nephews Scott A. Zipprich and Albert J. Zipprich; step grandchildren Jessica and James Rillstone Jr. (JJ) and her step great grandson Henry Rillstone who was GiGi’’s biggest little fan. In addition to her husband of 36 years she was predeceased by her parents Rolf B. and Mary C. Jensen, her brother Thomas B. Jensen and dear friend Blanche Parrella.

She was born on May 1, 1941 in Thompkinsville Staten Island NY and graduated from Our Lady of Good Counsel and St Peters for Girls High Schools. Later she proudly completed a college computer with her daughter. While growing up on Staten Island she climbed billboards owned by a future friend’s mother. She loved riding the Staten Island Ferry.

She was a secretary at Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company, Red Cross of Greenwich and the Town of Greenwich Engineering Department. While at the Red Cross she assisted service members returning home during emergencies. She also was a cafeteria monitor at Old Greenwich School and was presented with a poster size card that read “Thank You Mrs Palmer for Always Being Fair” signed by a large number of students. .

She was the Den Mother of Den 5 Pack 10, Leader of Brownie and Junior Girl Scout Troop 8358 and a member of the Cos Cob School PTA serving as Photography Chair, Room Mother and May Fair Volunteer.

She loved her cats: CC, Princess and Tiny. Even when she was bedbound she figured out how to enjoy life. She liked watching the birds and rabbits, hearing the voices of the children playing in her yard and watching daily mass.

She and her family would like to thank her neighbors Will and Megan Kies all their help and friendship over the years. Nancy’s colleagues at Eye Physicians and Associates PC for their understanding and flexibility, Verlyn Brown to whom we will be forever grateful for her loving care, friendship and respect as she guided us through this difficult time whenever she knew we needed it. Finally we thank Dr. Chen and the many doctors, nurses and other staff members of Greenwich Hospital, Sterling Care and Vitas.

Her favorite charities were St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital and the Shriner’s Hospital for Children.

A visitation for Maryann will be held Sunday, July 13, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home, 31 Arch Street, Greenwich, CT 068306512. A funeral service will occur Monday, July 14, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 4 Riverside Ave, Greenwich, CT 06878.