Gloria Palmer

Gloria Palmer went into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 27, 2020, from her Portage IN home at the age of 75. Born in Lares, Puerto Rico then migrating to Lake Station IN at the tender age of 5 yrs old . While attending school, she acquired English as a secondary language, along with learning her class work. She retained in her own words “my cute little accent” for the remainder of her 75 yrs. Remained active as an auxiliary member of The Vietnam Veterans of America chapter 905, a past member of American Legion post 502, and vice president for Order of the Eagles, the Portage IN Chapter. An active member of Real Life Community Church in Portage IN. Also, volunteered at the Portage Resale shop.

In her younger years, she waitressed in numerous restaurants throughout the region, including Sambos in Portage, IN. She always spoke fondly of the people she worked with at Anderson Company, telling a story of getting stranded in a blizzard on the way home. The couple that came to her rescue, ended up being classmates from her youth. Her most rewarding job was as a bus matron, where she worked with special needs children for the Portage Township School System.

Glo never met a stranger, for she loved talking to people and making new friends everywhere she went. She always lit up the room with her joy and laughter which was found to be contagious. Always very willing and able to brighten someone’s day through her generosity and upbeat spirit. She loved dancing, gardening, decorating shoes, fishing, fashion, creating holiday outfits to wear and show off while shopping in the stores, glittery nail polish, walking, as well as many other things.

Proceeding in death by her parents Marcial and Maria Toledo (Acevedo), husband and “love of her life”, Thomas Leigh Palmer, siblings Juanita Guzman, Ermenegilda Cabrera, Edith Toledo, Maria Urban, Jose Toledo, and best friend and sister Ingrid Perez.

Gloria is survived by devoted and loving partner James “Jim” Willison, whom she holds dear to her heart supporting and loving each other to the end. Beloved mother and friend to daughters Tammy Feess (Dan), Maria Casey (John), and two sons David Joseph (Trena) and Mark Joseph. Called Granny Panny, she will be greatly missed by grandchildren Anthony Joseph, Candice Burch, Cory Joseph, Tabitha Joseph, Michael Joseph, and Kayli Joseph.

Our lives will be touched forever by her spirit.

Due to Covid, a private ceremony was held in her honor on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at 12:00 PM at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, Crown Point, IN.

Gloria was laid to rest at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, Crown Point, IN.

The family requests in leu of flowers, please donate to VNA Hospice, 501 Marquette St. Valparaiso, IN 46368. They have been a great comfort during this trying time.