Last Tuesday, November 5, 2013, Agnes M. Palmer suddenly and unexpectedly took her leave of our beautiful but often troublesome world. She had celebrated her 81st birthday just eleven days before. She was known as, “Aggie” by most who knew her. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren might refer to her as, “little grandma Aggie” or, “G. G. Aggie”(For great-grandmother). She was born to James and Della (Manary) Doyle in 1932 in Dodson, MT. She was the second youngest of fourteen children in this large, Irish Catholic family and grew up on a farm outside of Whitefish; green, fertile, well watered country where the family earned it’s subsistence keeping milk cows and chickens, raising strawberries, raspberries and a large vegetable garden.
As a high school student she excelled at playing the clarinet which afforded her a chance to tour the state of Montana with her high school band. She also had a beautiful singing voice that we did not hear nearly often enough. What struck people most when they met Agnes was her warmth, her hominess and smiling sense of humor. One had to know her better to discern her fine intelligence, however, and she was accomplished at nearly anything she put her mind to. Puzzles, crosswords and Crypto Quips were daily entertainments.
Graduating from high school and trained as a stenographer/typist, she moved to Helena to take a job with state government. It was here she met and married, at age nineteen in 1952, a lanky, young cowboy named Alvin R. Palmer, whom everyone called, “Pal”. It was a stormy relationship for Pal and Aggie. Their union brought five children into the world but ended in 1975. Understandably perhaps, out of a parentage of such contrasts, these five were interesting and colorful in their own right. So much so and each going in such different directions, it was many times challenging for Agnes to keep hold of the reins. This she managed with her customary patience, understanding, loyalty and an occasional flash of the Irish temper.
Agnes did not marry a second time which gave her the opportunity to share herself with many different friends and organizations over the years, even up to the very end. She’s been active in the Eagles, bowling leagues, card playing clubs, the Democratic Action Club, The Red Hats and as a volunteer for St Mary’s Catholic Church.
Beloved mother, sister and friend, our dear Aggie may not have been perfect but for the virtues she displayed in plenty she will be deeply missed, long remembered and forever an example.
She is preceded in death by brothers David, Jimmy and Bill Doyle. By sisters Mary Mecci, Betty Ahrens and grandson Tommy Plovanich. She is survived by sisters Stella Holyk (Hotsprings), Theresa Gano (Polson), Francis Byrne (Lake Blaine) and Patricia Chamberlain (Great Falls); brother Leonard Doyle (Whitefish); children Susan Plovanich (Helena), Steve Palmer (Helena), Harry Palmer (Salt Lake City), Shawn Palmer (Billings) Jennifer Palmer (Seattle), nine grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
A viewing will be held on Tuesday, November 12th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Retz Funeral Home, 315 E. 6th Ave., with a Vigil to follow at 6 p.m. at Saint Mary Catholic Community, 1700 Missoula Ave., where participants will be welcomed to share their memories. A Funeral Mass is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 13th at St. Mary Catholic Community with a reception to follow in the social hall of the church.Please visit below to offer condolences to the family.
Service Schedule
Viewing
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday November 12, 2013
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Ave
Helena, MT 59601
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Tuesday November 12, 2013
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Wednesday November 13, 2013
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena, MT 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Wednesday November 13, 2013
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena, MT 59601
Service Schedule
Viewing
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday November 12, 2013
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Ave
Helena, MT 59601
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Tuesday November 12, 2013
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Wednesday November 13, 2013
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena, MT 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Wednesday November 13, 2013
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena, MT 59601
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Mary Ann Schell says
I will miss Aggie. She was one of my “best” friends. She was a very caring and thoughtful person. My prayers go out to all of her family.
Rita tenneson says
It is with a heavy heart, and a feeling that reaches deep in the pit of my stomach, that I send my deepest condolences to Aggies family. I share your sorrow deeply as Aggie was one of my dearest and sweetest friends. It is difficult knowing I will never see her again or be able to share our fun times together. My heart goes out to all her family. May our happy and joyous times with Aggie bring us all some consolation.
Hiedi Handford says
I was so disappointed to see Agnes in the obits today. I was blessed to spend quite a bit of time with this wonderful woman this year. Really grew to love her. She held a special place in my heart.
We lost a very special person, and Heaven has gained an Angel.
My deepest condolences to the Palmer family. Keep memories of Agnes close and she will live on in your hearts forever.
Amy Shaw says
I am very blessed to have grown up with such an amazing woman as an aquired grandmother. She was kind and thoughtful and will be missed dearly!
Patricia Rogers Glisson says
I was saddened to see Agnes Palmer in the obituaries today. I am lucky to have known the Palmer family through my best friend, Susan, since 1963. Mrs. Palmer will definitely be missed. Blessings to all!
Burgess Family says
We knew Aggie while growing up on Leslie Street. Our mother, Dorothy, enjoyed many many cups of coffee and good times with Aggie. Their friendship meant a lot to mom. When her family moved from our neighborhood, paths crossed occasionally. Each of us at different times would run into Aggie at the grocery store. She was a sweet, compassionate lady with a lot of grace. Please know that she carries a special place in all our hearts, especially moms. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Dayle Brookshire Williams says
It was such along time ago, on Glass Drive, but I do remember her to be a very nice lady.
May her many years of memories warm your hearts.
Darrell Beckstrom says
So sorry Steve to hear about your mother. I did not meet her, but after reading the obituary I realized she must have been a remarkable woman.