Susan Palmer

Susan Mellen Palmer, 75, a resident of Morse Hill Road, passed away Sunday, October 2, 2016, at her home surrounded by her family. Sue's passing came after a courageous, decade-long battle with Multiple Systems Atrophy, a rare neurological disease. Sue was a kind and caring person who always put others' needs in front of her own. Sue was born in Worcester, Massachusetts on August 18, 1941, the daughter of the late Elmer and Ellen (Ward) Mellen and attended local Worcester schools along with her five siblings, with whom she remained very close. She was a graduate of Worcester Memorial School of Nursing, where she received her degree as a registered nurse. She then worked as a staff nurse at Worcester Memorial Hospital (now UMass Medical Center). In 1964, she and her husband, Peter, moved to Manchester, VT to raise their family in the beautiful green mountains. She worked for the Dorset Nursing Association, providing home health care throughout the area. She and Peter then restored and operated the Ye Olde Tavern from 1976-1981. In 1982, as a knowledgeable antique dealer, she opened Trotting Park Antiques. This also allowed her to continue her numerous creative interests, which included rug hooking, knitting, and bearsmithing. She crafted nearly 10,000 teddy bears, which can now be found around the world. She was also an expert sailor and enjoyed many sailing trips along the New England coast. She enjoyed skiing, walking and tennis, and was a tennis member at the Manchester Country Club for many years. She was an active member of the United Church of Dorset and East Rupert and the organization Neighbor to Neighbor. She was a loving mother and grandmother and operated "Camp Gramasu" for her grandchildren at her home on Demming Pond. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Peter Palmer; her sons, Scott D. Palmer of North Rupert, VT, and Kenneth P. Palmer of East Dorset, VT; her grandchildren, Kristen Palmer of Boston, MA, Charlotte Palmer of East Dorset, VT, and William Palmer of Manchester, VT; her brothers, Roy White of Honolulu, HI, Lawrence Mellen of Wakefield, MA, and James Mellen of Wickford, RI, and sister, Marilyn Davis of Stuart, FL. She was preceded in death by two of her closest friends, her sister, Kathleen Parks and niece, Debra Parks of West Boylston, MA. A celebration of life for Susan Mellen Palmer will be held at a later date. There are no visiting hours. If friends desire, memorial gifts in Susan's memory may be made to the United Church of Dorset and East Rupert or the Downtown School, c/o Brewster-Shea Funeral Service P.O. Box 885 Manchester Center, VT 05255. A celebration of life for Susan Mellen Palmer will be held at a later date. There are no visiting hours.