Obituary of Dorothy Shirley Palmer

Palmer, Dorothy (Dot) Shirley - It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the passing of Dorothy (Margeson) Palmer, of Berwick, N.S., on June 22, 2015 at Hilltop Haven, Coldbrook, N.S., after a brief illness. Dot was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on February 15, 1929, to Howard and Evaline (MacLeod) Margeson but moved at a young age with the family back to Berwick, where she spent her life until her last few years at Hilltop Haven. She graduated from the New Glasgow Business School and subsequently worked at various commercial establishments in Berwick. Dot later used her business acumen in supporting her husband Paul’s farm machinery sales business. She was a devoted family person, an impeccable housekeeper and avid craftswoman, having undertaken everything from furniture refinishing and upholstery to jewelry, ceramics, hat making and quilting. Dot was an enthusiastic collector of antique furniture, china, crystal and other assorted curios, often finding such treasures at flea markets while accompanying her husband Paul to antique car shows throughout the eastern seaboard. During the winter months, Dot was as an active member of the Berwick Curling Club, and in addition to enjoying the sport itself, she was active as a volunteer for club social events. She also faithfully served as a volunteer for the Berwick United Church Women. A source of Dot’s great joy and pride was spending time with her family, and the hosting of countless family gatherings was one of the many gifts she gave to her family. She is survived by daughter, Marie Palmer and fiancé Robert Rosen of Ottawa; son, Curt Palmer and wife, Shelagh Campbell-Palmer of Coldbrook; grandsons, Colin and Benjamin Palmer of Ottawa and Coldbrook; sister-in-law Marilyn Margeson of Bridgetown; niece Rebecca Margeson-Shipp and family of Bridgetown; nephews Mike Margeson and family of Berwick; and Jary Margeson of Red Deer. She was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Paul Colin Palmer, her parents and brother, Jon. The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to Dot’s Hilltop Haven angels Darlene Melvin, Brenda Keddy, and staff and to Dr. Crystal Todd for their care beyond the expected. Visitation will be held at the Berwick Funeral Chapel, 192 Commercial Street Berwick on Thursday, June 25 from 7p.m. - 9p.m., with a memorial service being held on Friday, June 26 at 3:00p.m. followed by a reception. Family flowers only. Family committal service will be held at the Berwick Cemetery. Donations to honour Dot’s memory may be made to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada, the VON Annapolis Valley or to the Annapolis Valley Palliative Care program. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Serenity Lindsay Funeral Home. On-line condolences may be sent to www.serenitylindsayfuneralhome.ca.