Anna G Palmer

Anna was born in Brooklyn, NY on November 15, 1929 to Roland J. Gorton and Irene Cecelia McBride Gorton. Her only brother, Roland J. Gorton, Jr. survives her.

She grew up in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn where she attended St. Ephraim Catholic School and St. Brendan Diocesan High School. After receiving her Nursing degree from St. Vincent's, School of Nursing in New York City, she enrolled at St. John's University in Queens, NY where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. Anna received a certification as a School Nurse Teacher in 1968 and also received a Master’s Degree in Public Health Administration from Long Island University/C.W. Post College.

Anna met her husband Thomas Palmer through her friend and future sister-in-law Joan Palmer Dunn whom she met at St. John's University. Both Thomas and Joan predeceased her. She is survived by Thomas’ brother John Palmer and wife Roberta.

Thomas and Anna were married on November 21, 1953 in Brooklyn, NY. Prior to living in East Hampton, NY, they lived in Brooklyn, Queens, and Bellmore, Long Island. Thomas and Anna retired to Beverly Hills, Florida.

Anna worked at several jobs during her nursing career. She started as an RN at a hospital emergency room and was a School Nurse Teacher at BOCES/Rosemary Kennedy School in Wantagh, NY. Anna was as a private duty nurse in East Hampton, NY and a Public Health Nurse for Suffolk County, NY. She retired as a Suffolk County Nurse Supervisor in Patchougue, NY.

Anna Palmer was a devout Catholic and was a parishioner at Most Holy Trinity Parish in East Hampton and then at Our Lady of Grace in Beverly Hills, Florida. During her retirement, Anna was involved in numerous organizations and activities at her church. She was instrumental in organizing the Christian Kitchen and Food Pantry. Anna traveled to Haiti on a religious mission to meet with religious leaders and parishioners there. Through her dedication to the church and unwavering support for the hungry, homeless, and underserved, she was the recipient of multiple awards including but not limited to the St. Jude the Apostle Award Diocese of St. Petersburg in 2007, the Service Award Our Lady of Grace Church in 2011, Service Award Ladies Auxiliary Knights of Columbus Chapter 6168, and Lady of the Month Award Ladies of Auxiliary Knights of Columbus Chapter 6168 in 2017.

Anna and Tom liked to entertain and play cards. They held numerous social gatherings in East Hampton as well in Beverly Hills. She especially enjoyed playing cards with her children and grandchildren whenever she could. They also enjoyed traveling around the United States, Europe and the Caribbean. Their favorite place was Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman, B.W.I. where they spent many a splendid day.

Anna’s husband Thomas passed away in 2011. She is survived by her seven children, Thomas Palmer Jr. and wife Jeanette Palmer of Texas, Daniel Palmer and his wife Doreen of East Hampton, NY, Maureen Palmer and her spouse Cindy Salmoiraghi of Torrington, CT, Edward Palmer, and his wife Judy of North Tonawanda, NY, James Palmer of Hernando, FL, Patricia Sylvester of Millsboro, DE and former spouse Peter Sylvester of Sherman, CT, and Francis Palmer and his wife Allison of Ocean View, DE. Anna is also survived by 9 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren as well as many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her great grandson, C.J. Prestage.

A mass celebrating the life of Anna Palmer will be held at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 6 Roosevelt Blvd, Beverly Hills, FL 34465 on January 12, 2024 at 10:00 a.m., following with an interment at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Ave, Bushnell, FL 33513 on January 12, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.

The family suggests anyone wishing to honor Anna's memory donate to their local food pantry.