Obituary of Jane Palmer

Jane Finley Palmer of Horseheads, New York, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 9th, at the age of 90. She was born May 23, 1931, on Long Island, and attended SUNY Cortland, where she earned a degree in physical education and met her beloved husband, Eugene Palmer. They wed on June 27, 1953, had five children, and were happily married for 68 years. Together, they built a loving, inseparable family that now includes dozens of people, all of whom will forever carry her spirit with them and remember Jane as a role model and unforgettable presence who brought positivity and enthusiasm into every situation. She is survived by her husband, Eugene, her daughter, Cindy (Paul) Santo, and her four sons, Gene (Kim) Palmer, Dan (Mari) Palmer, Tim Palmer and Todd (Debby) Palmer. She is also survived by her seven grandchildren, Josh (Brittnee) Palmer, Mickenzie (Alyssa) Palmer, Kyle Palmer, Nathan (Allison) Palmer, Brooke (Courtney) Palmer, Cassie (Michael) Santo and Alysia (Alex) Santo, and seven great-grandchildren, Bryce, Paytyn, Claire, Eliza, Westley, Lucille, and Jane, who was lovingly named after her. She was predeceased by her brothers, James and John Finley, and her daughter in law, Lisa Palmer. Jane had a zeal for life that was contagious, and was always up for some fun, a trait she passed down to all of her children, grands and great grands. She was a fierce woman with an irresistible laugh who bucked the societal expectations of demurity; she had no problem stating her wants, but also took care of everyone around her — naturally and without flourish. She was allergic to complaining; she didn't tend to do it, and she didn't really want to hear it. That toughness was softened by her easy laugh and tendency to always find the joyful side of everything. She was truly good at everything she did and amassed such a collection of hobbies it's almost impossible to name them all. She was a voracious reader, canner, knitter, sailboater, exerciser, cook, gardener, seamstress, camper, ceramicist, golfer, tennis player, crossworder and ballroom dance instructor. She retired from her career as a physical education teacher and for decades led a "silver foxes" exercise group for older ladies at the YWCA. She loved a nice glass of chardonnay, a lively card game, and to remind everyone that "life is good." She had a lifelong passion for travel; she and Eugene even brought their five children and a cousin on a six-week long camping trip across the country in 1970. Later in life, they continued to travel for fun, and also made sure to always visit their children and grandchildren in each of the far-flung places they moved. As the matriarch of the family, she was known as "Granny," and, as she would attest, she had no patience for "bullshit" or for others acting "ornery." Her knack for funny and irreverent sayings led her grandchildren to label these phrases "grannyisms," examples of which also include "hot diggity," "up yours," "enough already," "oh my word," and "cripe!" Stories about her charming grit will no doubt bring laughter to her family for many years to come. Jane had so many wonderful aspects to her personality, but her most adored trait was her devotion as a wife, mother and grandmother. The bond shared between her and her husband was deep and inspiring. She always had a soft spot for each of her children and loved them equally; she carried this love through the entirety of her life as if her children were still under her care. Family and friends are invited to visit the Barber Funeral Home, 413 S. Main St., in Horseheads, on Friday, March 18th 2022 from 3 pm to 5 pm. We will gather to celebrate Jane's life at 5 pm. For those who want to honor Jane with a gift, we are asking for charitable donations to the Audubon Society, online or via The National Audubon Society, Attn: Donations, 225 Varick Street, 7th floor, New York, NY 10014.