Catherine Ann Gilmore Palmer, age 92, of Southbury, passed away on October 3, 2025.

She was the beloved wife of the late Paul Atwell Palmer, with whom she shared 63 years of marriage.

Born on October 21, 1932, at the family homestead on Bluefield Road in Auburn, New York, she was the daughter of the late Sidney Beach Gilmore Sr. and Edna May White Gilmore.

Mrs. Palmer graduated from Union Springs Central School in 1949 and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing Administration from Keuka College in Keuka Park, New York. She later received a Master's Degree in Education from Western Connecticut State University and went on to teach fifth grade at Rochambeau Middle School and Gainfield Elementary School for more than 25 years.

She and her husband Paul were dedicated volunteers in the Town of Southbury for decades, serving with the PTO, the Adult Education Board, the American Red Cross, and numerous community organizations.

Mrs. Palmer was a member and Chair of the Southbury Historic Building Commission and in 2014 authored Historic Buildings of Southbury, Connecticut; Volumes I and II. She founded and directed Bullet Hill School Days, a living museum program at the historic Bullet Hill School, which has run for nearly 30 years. In this role, she trained docents, supported teachers, created educational booklets, coordinated programs, and produced instructional videos for schools. She also researched and compiled the Region 15 Educational Historical Calendar, which highlighted early Southbury and Middlebury schools.

She was an active member and docent of the Southbury Historical Society and served on the Southbury Charter Revision Commission. Together with her husband Paul, she cofounded the Southbury Tree Committee, where she served as chairperson, treasurer, and later as Deputy Tree Warden. She co-authored brochures, organized fundraising drives, planned tree nurseries, and coordinated a 2002 tree dedication ceremony honoring Sean Schiekle, who lost his life in the September 11 terrorist attacks.

Through her efforts, Mrs. Palmer secured six America the Beautiful tree planting grants and three National Arbor Day grants, which resulted in hundreds of trees planted in Southbury's parks and along its roadsides. Under her leadership, the town was recognized with the Connecticut Urban Forestry Award, the International Arboriculture Award, and has been named a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation every year since 1997.

In addition, Mrs. Palmer volunteered with the American Cancer Society's Reach to Recovery breast cancer support program, served as an election worker, and was active with the Southbury Republican Town Committee.

Her community service earned her many honors, including Southbury Volunteer of the Year, the DAR Historic Women's Award, the Connecticut Department of Education Award, the Celebration of Excellence Award, the Union Carbide Teacher of the Year Award, the Southbury Distinguished Citizen Award, and the Southbury Historical Society Award. Together with her husband Paul, she received the Sons of the American Revolution Award for her work on the SAR Scholarship Awards. She was also honored with the Connecticut Secretary of State Public Service Award and Keuka College's Outstanding Service to the Community Award.

Mrs. Palmer was a 36-year member and officer of Delta Kappa Gamma Tau sorority. She was also a member of the Trumbull Porter Chapter of the NSDAR, the Mayflower Society, the Connecticut State Daughters of the American Colonists, and several local, state, and national historical and scientific organizations.

She is survived by her son, Randolph Reynold Palmer and his partner Nancy of Pennsylvania; her daughter, Virginia Palmer-Skok and her husband Andrew of Monroe; and her granddaughters Narissa Palmer, Leanna Elizabeth Palmer, and grandson Jason Michael Palmer, all of New York City. She also leaves nieces and nephews Sidney B. Gilmore III and his wife Anna, Robert Gilmore Sr., Robert Gilmore Jr., Jodie Gilmore, and Taylor Gilmore, all of Texas, as well as Brandon, Ryan and his wife Megan, Justin and his wife Nicole, Ben and Catherine, all of Auburn, New York, and her brother-in-law, Lawrence Palmer of California.

She was predeceased by her husband Paul, her son Alan Gilmore Palmer, and her brother Sydney B. Gilmore.

Calling hours will be held Wednesday, October 8, 2025 from 4:00 until 7:00 P.M. at the Southbury location of Munson-Lovetere located 235 Main St. North. A funeral service will be held at the Church of the Epiphany, 262 Main Street North, Southbury, on Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 11:00 A.M., with the Reverend Marston Price officiating. A reception will follow in the church hall. Burial will take place at Pine Hill Cemetery in Southbury.

Because of Catherine's unwavering commitment to the Southbury community, in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to one of the following charities; The Bullet Hill School Days Fund (c/o Southbury Historic Buildings Commission), the Southbury Tree Fund (c/o Southbury Historic Tree Restoration Committee, 501 Main Street South, Southbury, CT 06488), or to the Church of the Epiphany.

To leave condolences, please visit www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com.