WEST PARIS — Louise May Palmer, 82, of Bethel passed peacefully May 3 at Ledgeview Living Center.

Louise was born in Oxford on May 30, 1934, a daughter of Edward and Beatrice (Young) Paine. She was a longtime resident of Bethel and grew up within a 30-mile radius of her childhood home. Louise came from a large family with seven children. She had five brothers — Edward, Danny, George, Roger, Gordon, and one sister, Darlene.

For the majority of her life she was a homemaker, but in her younger years she worked in local mills such as the Oxford Shoe Shop and Burnham & Morrill Canning Factory. She also did some cleaning and chambermaid work for The Douglass House and the Four Seasons Inn. Louise and her husband, Francis, also worked from home making weather-sticks. Over the years the two of them made thousands and this made the spring months pass quickly.

Louise and Francis shared many wonderful years together and were married for 49 years. They were married June 28, 1969, at the Rumford Point Church. Early on they lived in West Paris and later moved to the “big yellow house” on Route 26 near the entrance to the PH Chadbourne Mill where her husband worked during the 1970s.

In August 1970, they adopted their daughter, Melissa. Louise always wanted to be a mother and she got her wish. Another wish came true when they bought their first home in Newry right next to Stonybrook. The property had plenty of room for flower and vegetable gardens. Gardening was a favorite hobby for Louise. This home not only brought joy to Louise, but she shared this with her parents, Edward and Beatrice Paine. They all spent plenty of time feeding the ducks, picking vegetables and walking the dirt roads in search of blackberries. Travel was another favorite pastime for Louise, whether it was camping in Searsport, Bar Harbor, or going to Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. However, of all the places she traveled — Branson, Mo., was the highlight. Louise and Francis made the trip to Branson a total of 14 times.

Later on, Louise made one more move to Walkers Mills in Bethel where she and her husband continued to expand the flower gardens and their home was always decorated with Christmas lights. Christmas was Louise’s favorite holiday and the little green house was a highlight for kids and adults during the month of December. Louise was a good friend and was always very close to her husband’s sisters. She and her best friend, Nada Sessions, shared many games of cribbage and always had a good laugh. Louise also had a grandson, Osman, whom she fondly referred to as her “little man.” Louise enjoyed country music, shopping, gardening and cooking. She had a strong will and fought hard after having her stroke in the fall of 2015. Many people showed their love and support during the past few years.

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The family would like to thank Pinnacle Rehab, Beacon Hospice, Stephens Memorial Hospital, New England Rehab, Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice and Ledgeview Living Center. Also the many individuals who came to her home to provide her with care. A special thank you to Joe and Cindy Gross for all the help they provided and to Nada Sessions for being a best friend like no other.

Louise is survived by her brothers, Roger, Gordon; and her sister, Darlene; also her loving husband, Francis Palmer; her daughter, Melissa Palmer-Karas; and stepdaughter, Beatrice Leonard.

Condolences can be expressed to the family at www.chandlerfunerals.com.

Louise M. Palmer


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