Mary Shaub Palmer, 91, passed away on March 28, 2026. She is predeceased by her beloved husband Robert Jerry Palmer (Jerry), her twin sister Susan Gross, brother-in-law Jack Gross, her older sister Cecelia Keefer, and nephew Kenneth Keefer, and her parents, Mary Scarborough Shaub and Frank Shaub. She loved her husband, her family, and her Lord and Savior.
Born May 5, 1934, in York, PA, she and Sue grew up as part of the “Lucky 7,” close friends who stayed connected from primary school, through college, as bridesmaids in each other’s weddings, and through adulthood. She was one of the last two of this group of lifelong friends.
Mary attended Indiana State College in Indiana, PA, but left school in her junior year to marry Jerry, in 1952, and traveled with him to his USAF assignment in post-war Germany. Over a year, the two traveled through Europe, having the time of their lives visiting places she never forgot. When they returned to the U.S., she began building a family and home in Wellsville, Scio, and Minnesota, coming back to Wellsville in 1977. Along the way she enjoyed painting, antiquing, cooking, and was actively involved in her church in each community in which they lived. She moved her household and family five times as the wife of a sales executive. After her children left home, she spent years traveling to their homes to help with their children and make their homes as nice as hers. After her husband retired, they moved from Wellsville to Rochester, NY, to be near her daughter and one grandson.
Her four children survive her: Robert J. Palmer, Jr. (Kasia), Daniel Palmer (Victoria), Jonathan Palmer, and Lydia Palmer. She is also survived by her brother, Samuel Shaub, her nieces Mary Sue Fischer, Laurie Kelly, Kate Gergar, and Kimberly Law, and five much loved grandchildren: Justin Palmer, Andrew Palmer, Hannah Soltani, Susanna Palmer, and Cameron Palmer.
The family wishes to thank those who cared for her at St. John’s Home, Strong Palliative Care, and especially her two long-time caregivers, Pam and Margaret, who were part of her family in her later years.
She will be interred in a private ceremony at Round Hill Cemetery in Felton, PA. Gifts in Mary’s memory can be made to Mission Aviation Fellowship at https://maf.org/.
End of life planning isn’t easy, Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Wellsville and Andover can help with years of experience and the finest facilities in the area, visit Baker-Swan.com for more information
