Sept. 23, 1927 – Jan. 20, 2019

Phyllis Quimby Palmer, age 91, passed away on Jan. 20 with her daughters at her bedside.

Phyllis was born in Buffalo, New York on Sept. 23, 1927 to the late Merle and Helena Quimby. She was one of six children, three of whom preceded her in death. She lived and worked in Buffalo and then married the late John A. Palmer Jr. in 1955. They had three children from this union.

They relocated to California in 1962 and made a life together. Phyllis was dedicated to her family, her church, her friends and her work in the medical field.

She was at the heart of family gatherings and welcomed everyone. Her feeling was, “Throw one more potato in the pot and all is well.” This philosophy guided her through her life. She will be long remembered as a devoted wife and loving sister, mother and grandmother.

Phyllis’ devotion to her faith was always a quiet, steady presence. She, by example, taught us all about the importance of patience and forgiveness. She found comfort and growth in reading her daily devotional and listening to hymns.

Her circle of friends was ever-expanding. Young to aged, they all loved spending time with her. She was a member of LCPC, Federated Church in Placerville, California and Gila Mountain United Methodist Church in Yuma, Arizona. She felt so much joy for many years with various church friends.

Her work in the medical field began at Glendale Community Hospital and continued as the office manager for two local doctors. She found her niche and was always excellent at her work.

PQP (her nickname) was always up for some fun. She enjoyed a variety of interests. She was a card shark, rarely losing! She never met a jigsaw puzzle she did not like as well as crossword puzzles. Phyllis was very active in square dancing, bowling, golfing and traveling all over the country in an RV. 

Serving and volunteering brought her such joy. She would join church committees, the outreach for new church members with the Bread Ministry, Hospice Companion, Hospital Services and a free health clinic for women. She always walked the walk of her faith. 

Phyllis will always remain in the hearts and minds of all who were in her company. She will be remembered and cherished by her sisters Jean and Ruth, her daughters Nancy, Wendy and Amy, her grandchildren Kristen, Emily and Jack, her heartfelt appointments of sons-in-law Rick and Charlie and her grandsons-in-law Eddie and Fred. There are also so many extended family and friends who will miss her as well … a testament to her life.

We will keep her spirit alive by loving each other and remembering her favorite things. Chocolate takes first place followed by wine taking a close second. Also choosing to be kind, watching finches feed for hours on end, winning at cards, sitting with family while putting together a jigsaw puzzle but mostly for a willingness to love life and be up for the next adventure. We all love you and are happy you are at peace.

A memorial service is planned for Feb. 2 at 2 p.m. at La Crescenta Presbyterian Church, 2902 Montrose Ave. in La Crescenta. A reception will follow in the Fireside Room.

Please consider continuing our mother’s dedication to volunteering and choose a project to spend your time in service to others. This is in place of a gift of flowers.

Funeral directors: www.CrippenMortuary.com