Zilpha G. Palmer, 86, of Nobleboro and Dover-Foxcroft, affectionately known as “Bunny”, died on April 21 surrounded by her loving family and caregivers at her home of recent years in Dover-Foxcroft. She was born in Newcastle on March 3, 1922, the daughter of Lillian L. Guptill.
Bunny attended local schools and graduated from Lincoln Academy, Class of 1939, and graduated from Nasson College. She was active in several local organizations including the Miles Memorial Hospital League. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Nobleboro where she taught vacation Bible School to children for many years. She enjoyed working at Margo Moore’s Clothing Shop in Damariscotta. She and her husband owned and operated the Come Again Gift Shop in Damariscotta for several years. The center of her life, however, was her family which she dearly loved, nurtured, and gave to unconditionally. She enjoyed her flower gardens and the beauty of her natural surroundings. She was a devoted partner in her husband’s business and well-known political career.
Bunny was predeceased by her mother, Lillian L. Guptill, and an aunt, Marion L. Carter.
She is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Hon. Linwood E. Palmer, Jr.; son, Linwood E. Palmer III and loving friend Norma of Nobleboro; daughter, Cartha P. Smith and husband Douglas M. Smith of Dover-Foxcroft, and daughter Beth P. Smith and husband Dennis R. Smith of Sangerville; grandchildren, Kendra L. Palmer of South Portland, Deron P. Smith of Bangor, Amy R. Smith of Hermon, Erin L. Smith and husband Garrett A. Smith of Dover-Foxcroft, Benjamin N. Smith of Bangor, and Kaitlin P. Smith of Sangerville; one great-granddaughter, Ella L. Smith of Dover-Foxcroft; two sisters-in-law, Alice Scott and Elizabeth Palmer, and several nieces and nephews.
She also leaves behind her loving caregivers Cathy Campbell, Kelly Morin, Angel Stevens, Terry Taylor, Cheryl Parkman, Julie Moonlight, Tanya Robinson, Sara Campbell and Carol Wing.
Gifts in memory of Bunny may be made to the First Baptist Church of Nobleboro, c/o Adney Peck, 85 Winslow Hill Rd., Nobleboro, ME 04555.
Memorial service 1 p.m., Mon., April 28 at the First Baptist Church of Nobleboro with Pastor James Colley officiating. She will be laid to rest at the Dunbar Cemetery, Nobleboro.
Arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Strong Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
