Reatha Marie (Vanish) Palmer

Reatha Marie Palmer, 94, died at the Oak Hill Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on May 28, 2021. Born in Herkimer County, NY on January 27, 1927 she was the daughter of the late Laurence Vanish and Marie (Avery) Helmer.  
Reatha was a Home Health Aid for many years before settling into her role as a mother and grandmother. She was dedicated to her family and her community. She enjoyed cooking, line-dancing, playing cards and reading. She was a gifted knitter who donated her knitted items to her Church Bazaars and local Senior Centers.

Reatha was a loving wife to Thomas J. Palmer for almost 50 years, together they raised five children. She is survived by four of her children; Laurence Palmer of Cocoa, FL, Patricia Caspoli of Warwick, RI, Susan Meals and her husband Richard of Parker, PA, Gretchen Palmer of Middletown, RI; her sister, Carol Perkins of NY; three grandsons, Paul Palmer of FL, Christopher and Peter Jutras of Warwick, RI, ten great grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and a niece.

Reatha is predeceased by her beloved husband, Thomas Palmer; her son, Robert Palmer; a niece; her half-brother, George Vanish and her parents.

She was a resident of Pawtucket, RI for 70 years.  

She will be sadly missed by all including the wonderful staff at the Oakhill Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in Pawtucket.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Reatha Marie (Vanish) Palmer, please visit our floral store.