Obituary of Rita M. Palmer

Schroon Lake: Rita M. Palmer, 75, of Brookfield Ave., passed away suddenly on Saturday May 27, 2017 at Moses Ludington Hospital in Ticonderoga. Born July 7, 1941 in Blue Ridge, she was the daughter of the late Lee and Vera (Ford) Provoncha. Rita began her working years as a waitress at Potter’s Diner in Chestertown and was a bookkeeper. She later worked as a hostess and event manager at the Fort William Henry, and as a cashier at Grand Union. Rita, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, was truly one of a kind. Her forgiving nature and love of people inspired others to be kinder, gentler and more generous to those around them. She greeted everyone with a sincere smile, comforting hug, and a heartfelt “It’s so good to see you”, leaving those she encountered feeling at home. She always put her loved ones first and was the twine that bound them all together, for which they are forever grateful. Besides spending time with her family, she was an avid NASCAR fan, and enjoyed the race track, knitting, crocheting, cooking large meals, going for truck rides with her husband, and family outings. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by two sons, Keith and Robert Griffin, a brother, Paul Provoncha, and a nephew, Paulie Provoncha. She is survived by her beloved husband of 38 years, John Palmer of Schroon Lake; children, Bonnie (Kevin) Whittum of Dalton, NH, Kevin Griffin, also of Dalton, NH, Russell (Darlene) Palmer of Queensbury, Shirley (Nicholas) Hamm of Glenville, David (Christina Peelor) Palmer of Glens Falls; 15 grandchildren, Kevin Jr., Keith, Kristian, Jason, Kristie, Peter, Racheal, Ashley, Nevan, Nickson, Wesley, Ella Nora, Karissa, Katelynn, and Andrew; 14 great-grandchildren; brother, Alvin (Shirley) Provoncha. She also leaves behind several in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Friends may call on Rita’s family from 10 am to 12 noon, Thursday, June 1, 2017, at Alexander Funeral Home, 3809 Main St., Warrensburg. A funeral service will be celebrated immediately following the visitation at noon on Thursday, at the funeral home, with her nephew, Joe Provoncha, officiating. Burial will follow in Newcomb Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Schroon Lake Fire Department. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guestbook, condolences, and directions.