FARMINGTON – Eileen H. Palmer, 81, went home to be with the Lord, Monday, Feb. 25. She was an inspiration to many, having a generous heart and a positive attitude as she lived with multiple sclerosis for nearly 30 years.

She was born at the Meader house on Route 140 in Jay, Dec. 13, 1926, a daughter of John and Eleanor (Dodge) Hickey and made her home on that road until 1993, when she moved to Farmington. Educated in Jay schools, she graduated in 1945 with a class of 13.

On Sept. 3, 1949, she married Fernard J. Labbee at St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Riley. They divorced in 1970, but remained united as they raised their daughters, Sandy and Shari. On Dec. 2, 1972, she married Rodney A. Palmer. He died in 1976. Though married for just a brief time, their life together was happy and full as they enjoyed dances, auctions and snowmobiling.

She worked for Forster Manufacturing intermittently since 1944, starting in the office in Strong. After taking time off to raise her family, she returned to their Dryden office in 1970, and retired in 1986. She also worked briefly as a postal clerk for the Jay Village Post Office and was a bookkeeper at auctions.

She attended the Jay Baptist Church, becoming a member in 1975, and served as church secretary and treasurer for many years. Her faith in the Lord, and her love for family and friends sustained her.

She was a former member of Mt. Rockameka Grange of Jay and served as secretary and lecturer.

She had three wonderful traveling experiences; at the age of 21, she traveled to New York City to see the Joe Lewis/Joe Walcott fight; in 1976, she and her daughters traveled to England and France visiting friends and sightseeing; and she also traveled to Washington, D.C., during the cherry blossom season. She was a an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and for a time, followed NASCAR. She looked forward to her weekly bingo games and enjoyed her word search puzzles. She crocheted and knit for many years, creating many pieces that family and friends cherish.

She is survived by her daughters, Sandra Warren and her husband, Edwin, of Wilton and Shari Witham and her husband, Mark, of East Wilton; grandchildren, Robert Warren of Charlotte, N.C., Taylor Warren of Minot and Jordan Witham of East Wilton; her sister, Ruth Forbes of Jay; a stepson, Dennis Palmer and his wife, Cathy, of New Sharon.

She was predeceased by her husband, Rodney; her former husband, Fernand; her brother, Harold Hickey; and stepson, David Palmer.

Eileen’s family would like to thank the staff at Orchard Park Living Center for their love and dedication in caring for their mother for nearly 14 years and would also like to express their appreciation to Dr. Bertrand Audette for the care their mother received during her illness.