Cathleen “Katie” Ann Palmer, 75, was received in heaven on July 28, 2020 after a brief and courageous battle with cancer.
She was born on July 5, 1945 to Marilynn (Mueller) Lupton and James C. Lupton in Davenport, Iowa. She spent her childhood traveling the upper Midwest, as her father’s government job required frequent moves. From the beginning, Katie was fiercely independent. She became a teacher in 1967, after graduating from Grand Valley State College. She chose to travel outside the continental United States to Adak, Alaska for her first teaching position. She was later able to travel the United States while raising a family and settled in Londonderry in 1984. She taught first grade at South Elementary School for 25 years, retiring in 2011.
Katie Palmer’s life was highlighted by the thousands of children who were touched by her skillful teaching. She often joked that she taught over a 1000 children two of the most useful skills used everyday: how to read and how to tie your shoes. She was active on many management boards and committees at Immanuel Lutheran Church where she also enjoyed singing alto in the choir. Her favorite meal to eat out was breakfast, and had many friends with which she met regularly to dine. She found great joy in volunteering with New Voter Registration each election season. Katie was an avid reader, completing at least 6-8 books each week. She also adored vacationing on the coast of Maine.
She is survived by her mother Marilynn Lupton, daughter Lindsey Suzanne (Palmer) Druse and son-in-law John Charles Druse of Leipers Fork,TN, her son Carl Travis Palmer and daughter-in-law Allison Marie (Laurenti) Palmer, grandchildren Gavin Matthew Palmer and Kacey Lauren Palmer of Goffstown, NH, sister Mary (Lupton) and brother-in-law Dick Cain, brother Robert J. Lupton and sister-in-law Cathy. Katie was an amazing aunt to Annie, Suzie, Mitchel, Martin, Lorna, Claire, Karl, Jodi, Jenny, Clint, and Chuck. She will be missed by her friend, church family, students, all of her sister teachers at South Londonderry School, and of course the infamous “Ladies of the Lake!” She loved you all!
Due to the Covid-19 Epidemic, Ceremonies will be held at a later date. Donations can be made to: Liberty House 221 Orange Street Manchester, NH 03104.