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Betsy Palmer
1926 - 2015
Betsy Palmer
1926 - 2015
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1926
DIED
2015
Betsy Palmer Obituary
Palmer died Friday of natural causes at a hospice care center in Connecticut, her longtime manager, Brad Lemack, told The Associated Press on Sunday.
Palmer had appeared in films, on Broadway and in TV shows for decades before she took the role of Mrs. Voorhees in the campy 1980 movie in which young camp counselors suddenly begin meeting their bloody demise. The back story was that she was the mother of Jason Voorhees, who had died at the camp years before. He would come to life in several sequels that Palmer passed on.
She would say in later years that she only took the role in that first film because she wanted the money to buy a new car.
Palmer had appeared in numerous TV shows dating to the early 1950s Golden Age of Television. Among them were such classic dramas as "Kraft Theatre," ''Playhouse 90" and "Studio One."
Her film credits included "Mr. Roberts" with Henry Fonda, "The Long Gray Line" with Tyrone Power and Maureen O'Hara, "Queen Bee" with Joan Crawford, and "The Tin Star" with Fonda and Anthony Perkins.
Other TV credits included "Knot's Landing," ''The Love Boat," ''Newhart," ''Just Shoot Me" and "Murder, She Wrote." She also appeared in several Broadway plays, including "Same Time, Next Year" and "Cactus Flower."
Palmer is survived by her daughter, Melissa Merendino.
JOHN ROGERS, Associated Press
Copyright © 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
95 Entries
Dennis Winship
October 10, 2024
I like her roll in friday the 13th and friday the 13th part 2 she will be truly missed. Dennis winship Lynn Massachusetts
Pasquale Galante
September 18, 2024
I just met Betsy in Mill Valley in the late 80s , early 90s She was a really beautiful woman inside and outside. Johnny was clowning around there ,at there place . I wish I had gotten to know her better. I wish Johnny all the happiness and success in this world and beyond
Vincent Wernerspach
February 16, 2023
At the age of 7 my parents took my two sisters, brother and myself to see Friday the 13th. When the reveal occurred my mother said out loud, "Oh! Betsy Palmer!" To say the least Betsy's performance as Pamela Voorhees terrorized my siblings and I for years to come! I learned who Betsy Palmer was through my mother and from Friday the 13th. Every time her name appeared For The Love Boat, Murder She Wrote or Knots Landing my family watched. I am now 50 years old and I still do learning about Betsy and her career. Getting to know her via previous interviews has been quite interesting and a bit inspirational. She is highly respected for her role on Friday the 13th despite the fact she always seemed to express some regret. She is truly missed but her career has left a legacy and keeps her alive on film. My long belated condolences to her daughter, her personal friends and other family members. May Betsy rest in peace.
Anthony T. Mongelli
September 2, 2022
I remember her as the suave young panelist on what´s my line I was in my formative years 12-18 and enjoyed her pleasant personality someone who seemingly get along with anyone genuine not fabricated extremely pleasant woman AMEN Rest In Peace Betsy
How you can show support
Stephen d hall
May 11, 2021
Betsy was a wonderful kind lady a star indeed who knew the lasting of fame in friday the 13th love mu h
Paul Hayes
September 22, 2020
I had a crush on Betsy Palmer since I first saw her on I've Got A Secret" as a boy. She was the most perfectly beautiful woman to ever grace a stage. The world is a much poorer place with her gone.
Michael Eads
June 27, 2020
Wonderful person! You'll be missed.
May 29, 2020
God is a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the family's..My heartfelt condolences...
Gregory Peck
March 21, 2019
R.I.P. "Mrs. Voorhees".
You were a great actress. We will miss you.
Jo Anne Whittington
December 31, 2018
I loved this kind and beautiful lady.
Dan Walker
November 2, 2018
She was the kindest and sexiest woman I've ever seen
Frances C. Uva
October 4, 2016
Dear Betsy's Family and Friends, I just
viewed her in an episode of "Murder,
She Wrote". She was really wonderful.
I have always enjoyed seeing her on
television. Please accept my deepest
sympathy and may she continue to
rest in peace.
September 20, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Harry Simpson
May 29, 2016
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us. Godspeed.
March 25, 2016
Isn't it strange that we never get to meet some of our favorite actors and yet we feel a very close bond to them and their work. I always enjoyed your work and yes, even Friday the 13th. I am so glad you took the role and showed another facet to your acting abilities. Betsy,I will meet you one day in HEAVEN and it will be a joy. Wishing your daughter, family, and friends peace to move on with wonderful memories of you, and also the comfort of knowing that so many fans were moved by your talent. GOD BLESS.
Justin H
October 22, 2015
You will be truly missed and never forgotten. Thoughts and prayers to your family. From a big fan.
August 6, 2015
Just learned this sad news...will forever remember this gracious lady for her years as part of the "I've Got a Secret" panel. Rest in peace Betsy. My condolences to her family, including Missy.
jason sturges
July 25, 2015
Betsy your fans will always love you. Thank you for scaring the crap out of me as a kid with Friday the 13th. you made me happy to go to school cause i didn't want to be alone. RIP
July 19, 2015
HI I LIVE IN CONNECTICUT COVENTRY,CT NEAR STORRS,UNIV OF CT.... GOD BLESS BETSY USED TO WATCH THOSE FRIDAY THE 13TH FILMS ALL THE TIME ON MY VHS SO MUCH I BROKE THE TAPE- I WATCH IT NOW AND THEN ONLINE FOR FREE.
GOD BLESS BETSY AND HER FAMILY IN THIS DIFFICULT TIME
YOULL FIND PEACE IN JESUS
Edward Koepke- coventry,ct
Sabrina
June 8, 2015
I have fond memories of watching Miss Palmer on TV. She was a talented & beautiful actress. Our sincere sympathies to her family & friends. May you be comforted by the words of the greatest man who ever lived when he said "...little girl (Betsy), I say to you, 'Get up!'" (Mark 5:41, 42).
JW
June 8, 2015
We express our condolences to the Palmer family, many friends and fans . May you find comfort in your many fond memories together, God's promise to undo all tragedy and the words of the greatest man who ever lived: "Two sparrows sell for a coin of small value, do they not? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father's knowledge. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So have no fear; you are worth more than many sparrows." (Matt 10:29-31)
June 8, 2015
Dear Palmer Family, I am truly sorry to hear of the loss of your dear mother. May our Heavenly Father be with you And help you endure the days ahead. He knows what you are going through. God is near to all those calling upon him, . . . and their cry for help he will hears.
June 6, 2015
Warm childhood memories of watching this gracious lady on TV
June 6, 2015
Losing a loved one can bring much grief. Please accept my sincere condolences. I love the promise at Psalm 147:3, "He heals the broken hearted; He binds up their wounds." May it bring you comfort in the days ahead.
Sydney Scott
June 6, 2015
May the God of all confort be with you
Karen Cost
June 5, 2015
I also remember her from "I've Got a Secret". She was beautiful.
June 5, 2015
My deepest condolences to the family and loved ones.
Matt 6: 9-13
lou franchi
June 4, 2015
alway remember betsy walking to do cactus flower and enjoying a ice cream cone on her way. great lady she was.
June 4, 2015
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Steve Joos
June 3, 2015
We watched Miss Palmer for years on "I've Got A Secret" and that 's something she should always be remembered for. So sad to hear of her passing and sympathies to her family.
JLB
June 3, 2015
May the God of all comfort provide the bereaved family with the needed strength and courage so you can cope with your great loss. Please accept my sincere and deepest sympathy. can
Jack Fields
June 3, 2015
Thank you, Betsy, for, "The Long Gray Line". Your playing off the main characters, (especially Donald Crisp), was utterly charming. And you did have the definitive last line of the film; that, "It had been a great life for, Marty". So did you. You will be missed.
June 3, 2015
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I pray the God of comfort can be with your family during this time of sorrow.
JPW
June 3, 2015
To the family of Betsy Palmer, please accept my deepest condolences on your loss. Even though, I can't know how you feel, the God of all comfort knows and he wants you to throw your burden on him because he cares for you.
Buckeye Fan
June 3, 2015
Thank you, Ms. Palmer, for making the tv version of "Marty" such an enduring, endearing classic. RIP, dear lady. Condolences to family, friends, colleagues and admirers everywhere.
Red Wertan
June 2, 2015
The first time I saw Betsy Palmer was in The Long Gray Line. She had the most wonderful, sexy voice. RIP sweet lady
Steve N.
June 2, 2015
Fortunate to have met Betsy eight years ago at the Game Show Congress honors for Bob Stewart. The endearing smile was there that day and will remain with us forever.
June 2, 2015
I am sorry for your loss please take comfort in knowing that God cares personally for your suffering. 1 Peter
5:7.
June 2, 2015
To The Family Of Besty Palmer
I would like to express my condolences to the family. Ms. Palmer was a legend in her field she will be missed. May God comfort and strengthen you during this time and in the days ahead.
Eleanor
June 2, 2015
My memory of her is as a member of early televison game shows. She was a pretty gal and always a lady. Rest in Peace.
Susan Hrunek
June 2, 2015
I was truly saddened to hear of the death of Patricia Betsy Hrunek, who was a distant cousin of mine. My parents and I had the pleasure of meeting Betsy at the Ivanhoe Theatre in Chicago in 1974 when she was performing in "The Dark at the Top of the Stairs". She was so gracious and kind. This is the playbill she autographed for us that evening. Eternal rest grant on to her O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her!
Gerry Mess
June 2, 2015
Sympathy to her family in this time of sorrow. I have always liked Betsy I thought she was a talented actress. I remember her from childhood, a loss to the world for sure.
thomas jayjack
June 2, 2015
another rough rider joins classmates in heaven east chicago ind famous people god bless you betsy
Ricardo Montoya
June 2, 2015
Betsy Palmer was known to a generation for her work on "What's My Line."
G. Harris
June 1, 2015
My sympathy goes out to all in the Palmer Family for your loss. May God's peace surround you in your season of grief.
Robyn Garris
June 1, 2015
My sincere condolences to the Palmer family. I hope that all can have comfort from "the God of all comfort."
Ross
June 1, 2015
I remember her excellent performances as an actress, the entertainment industry had lost one of their best. We are thankful to see her through the movies. May the God of comfort, comfort all who knew her.Our heartfelt condolences.
misty childers
June 1, 2015
awesome actress....r.i.p.
Lily
June 1, 2015
With sincere sympathy on your loss. I recall her in films from long ago and may you be comforted to know that Betsy will return to the days of her youth as promised at Job 33:25.
Betsy Palmer in "Peter Pan"
Alan Eichler
June 1, 2015
I worked with Betsy on several shows including "Cactus Flower" on Broadway and stock productions of "Mary, Mary" and "Peter Pan". She was always a joy. R.I.P. sweet Betsy.
Jimmie
June 1, 2015
My deepest condolences to your family may God continue to be with you proverbs 34 : 18
Chris
June 1, 2015
You had a beautiful and cheerful smile. May you rest in peace.
A Fan
June 1, 2015
Can still vividly remember watching Betsy Palmer "wash that man right out of" her hair in a production of South Pacific. It was a theater in the round and I was amazed that she was actually washing her hair on stage...wonderful actress, singer..classy lady RIP
Billy Slimp
June 1, 2015
The Heavens are brighter as another Bright Star has been added.
I remember her from 'I've Got A Secret'; always enjoyed her smile and she was the best panelist on there.
May God's Peace and Comfort be with you now and in the days to come.
Nancy Mehagian
June 1, 2015
Dear Melissa, I was so sorry to read of your mother's passing this morning. We were friends when she lived here in Studio City and I absolutely adored her and spent some wonderful times at her beautiful, magical home. I missed seeing her after she moved to NY but she will remain one of the very special women I've ever known. A huge loss for all of us.
JohnDavid A. Griffin
June 1, 2015
Dear Melissa, I grew up watching your beloved Mother from the small screen to the big screen. I really enjoyed her on Knott's Landing. She will be a very beautiful and classy artist from Broadway, movies, to television, she will be greatly missed by family , friends, and the many she inspired to pursue a career in acting. God's Peace and Grace be with you and to those whom she cherished. JohnDavid A. Griffin
Eric
June 1, 2015
Just saw an interview on her, she was a very funny woman. She didn't want to do Friday 13th at first, but did it because she needed a new car! Well it seemed that she enjoyed her life and she got to live a normal one at that. But she leaves family behind and I hope you see this. Psalm 34:15, 18 shows us that God listens to those crying and crushed at heart. We know that you, Melissa, are grieving at this very moment. Please pray and also we will all pray that you cherish those memories with your mothers and continue going on strong. Take care
debbie
June 1, 2015
iremember her from my childhood hadn't seen her much in later years may she rest in peace
CP
June 1, 2015
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Bill Waldron
June 1, 2015
I always enjoyed sitting and talking with you when ever you came into my shop.
G. Freeman
June 1, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Ross Pickreign
June 1, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. But I must tell you that I fell in LOVE with Betsy Palmer when I was in grade school when she was a panelist on "I've Got a Secret". Rest in peace Miss Betsy.
June 1, 2015
My condolences to family,
Comfort to your thoughts and heart in time,
"Do not worry over anything, but in everything let the things you have to ask for be made known to God by prayer and petition with thanksgiving."
Elizabeth
ADM
June 1, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
RALPH AND LINDA DEMICHELE
June 1, 2015
R.I.P. Betsy, you were a class act here on earth and we all know you will be a class act in Heaven!...GOD BLESS YOU!
Nancy Altaras
June 1, 2015
It was so sad to see Patricia Betsy Hrunek, better known as Betsy Palmer pass away. I remember her on "What's My Line", with Gary Moore, the t. v. game show, and movies she was in. Sadly, everybody will remember her as the grief struck crazy mother, in the movie, Friday the 13th, as Jason Vorhees, knife and revenge seeking mom. She was a lovely actress with, as they say, dishwater blonde hair, or dark blonde hair. Always a pretty and smart treat to see in movies. I am going to miss her, and the movies and plays, she was in. Another part of my past, gone but not forgotten.
June 1, 2015
Sorry for your loss. May the "Peace of GOD"( Phillipians 4:6,7) be with you as you cope with such sorrow.
Sheila
June 1, 2015
Thank you Betsy for sharing your beauty and talent. Rest in eternal Peace.
R. Severino
June 1, 2015
Sorry to hear of her death and I recall her as a young boy liking her for her upbeat personality and fine acting skills. I recall she had a unique voice and beautiful smile! She reminded me of the innocence of youth and I look back upon those times as the best years and thank her for making my life a better place!
Dottie Lindsay
June 1, 2015
Loved Betsy's acting and game shows .
Betsy was a lady and a natural talent .
Lillie
May 31, 2015
Thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. There is little that I can say or do to ease your pain and suffering. May knowing that you are in the thoughts and prayers of many, bring a measure of comfort. Life is so short and those we love are gone from our lives too quickly. God's promise to empty the grave in the near future is found at Hosea 13:14.may
the God of loyal love comfort you during your time of sorrow.2CORI. 1:3,
May 31, 2015
Love you Betsy! Awesome, kind woman. Will be missed! -Tim Horn (Linwood,PA)
Big Fan
May 31, 2015
Grew up with you on the screen. Gave me my first scare in a movie you almost passed on. RIP and know you'll be missed.
Marty Martinez
May 31, 2015
R.I.P. to a beautiful person, memorable actress and screen icon.
Peace and love to your family.
Mary Ellen Slazyk
May 31, 2015
RIP, you will be missed.
Ryan Isabella
May 31, 2015
I had the pleasure of meeting Betsy twice at conventions and was delighted to find out what a class act she was. She will be missed.
May 31, 2015
I played one of Betsy Palmer's daughters in a production at the Royal Poiciana Playhouse in Palm Beach in the mid 60's. Betsy was gracious to the children and taught us to love theatre.
Joe
May 31, 2015
I'm so sorry for your loss. I can only imagine what you and your family are going through. May the God of all comfort provide you with strength at this time, 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17.
May 31, 2015
To the Palmer Family:
As a child, I remember Miss Palmer from the show, I've Got A Secret.
May she rest in peace.
B.F. Henderson-Detroit
May 31, 2015
I'm sorry for your loss, she will be missed. May she remain in God memory.
John 5:28
Sean Pultz
May 31, 2015
Rest easy, Mrs. Voorhees. Your work is done. The world is well pleased.
Stephen Pytak
May 31, 2015
RIP Betsy. You are unforgettable, and it was an honor meeting you. This photo was taken in New York City in January 1997.
DS
May 31, 2015
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
E R
May 31, 2015
Please accept my condolences. Matthew 11:28,29,30, John 11:24,25,26,
Leslyn
May 31, 2015
RIP Betsy. You will be missed.
Dwayne Bickham,Sr.
May 31, 2015
In God's care rest in peace
Scott Chamberland
May 31, 2015
Rest in Peace
May 31, 2015
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 119:76.
Jennifer Campbell
May 31, 2015
Dear Melissa, so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. I met her in 1996 in Edmonton, Alberta where she was playing Ethel Thayer in On Golden Pond. I met her after the show and we bonded, had lunch and stayed in contact until I stupidly dropped the ball. I've thought of her many times and wish I'd picked up the phone to call but I was afraid she'd have forgotten me. I shall never forget her, her kindness, her wonderful voice, laugh, stories, talent and love.
Barbara Bogard
May 31, 2015
I was fortunate to meet this gracious and lovely lady when she appeared in a production of "Gigi" with Louis Jordan in Boise ID. Outside the stage door she signed an autograph and told the story about doing "Friday the 13th" so she could buy a car. Condolences to her family.
A Fan
May 31, 2015
Lots of memories from a great era in TV given to us by Betsy Palmer. Thank you.
Rest in Peace.
Sull
May 31, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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