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Wellesley College

Katie Palmer Obituary

I could tell you when Katie was born, where she went to school, but this tells you nothing. If I was given a million words, I could not define Katie, just as no one can define the universe. Words like musician, scientist, philosopher, feminist and "sailor" come to mind, but this just scratches the surface. Katie's soul was not one dimensional, or two, or five, but infinite. I could talk about her aesthetic beauty, but you can see that on the picture. She was always curious, only afraid of the ridiculous. But if I had to write an epitaph, it would be the last words she said to my mom. "I got to go Mom, the bus is here, I love you." Katie died unexpectedly on April 22, 2004 at Wellesley College in Massachusetts. Those who knew and loved Katie will miss the sparkle in her eyes and the smile on her face. Katie's short life was so full. She played the clarinet, and was a member of the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra for two years. She enjoyed playing the piano and the organ, and loved physics and Spanish as well as music. She was learning to sail on Lake Waban and had recently learned to ski (or snowplow straight down the hill as fast as possible). The family would love to have pictures and written memories. Katie was born at home on October 16, 1985 in Butte Creek Canyon. She leaves her Mom and Dad, Mark and Lisa Palmer; her brothers, Gabriel and Jason; and many relatives and friends. There will be a Celebration of Life for Katie on Saturday, May 1st at 1 pm at Faith Lutheran Church 667 East 1st Avenue, Chico. Reception will follow at the church. A fund will be collected in honor of Katie for an international cause to lessen suffering in the world. Donations can be made to the Katie Palmer Memorial Fund and sent to Newton Bracewell Funeral Home. Katie's strength of spirit and compassion for others will never die.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chico Enterprise-Record on Apr. 27, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Katie Palmer

44 Entries

Bryan Harwick

April 20, 2022

I miss you Katie , you are not forgotten. I pray for you everyday and I promise to until my last breath. You were like a sister to me with your loving kindness and you knew how to encourage me.
Losing you crushed me deeply.
I love you , and I hope I see you again.
I will always be your student and will continue to pray for you.

Your student ,
Bryan <3

Dana Lisa

October 18, 2021

Lisa,
Here we are in 2021, and on Katie's birthday no less. Time as probably flown and stood still, simultaneously, since you lost Beloved Katie. I've read her obituary several times through the years. Each time I've been so impressed with the writer's nontraditional approach, as well as the many facets of your precious daughter. What a gem. I'm wrapping my loving heart around you, today and always, Friend.

Roycie Raspberry

January 30, 2005

Dear Lisa,

Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your precious daughter, Katie. I did not have the honor of knowing Katie, but from everything I have read in her Guestbook, she sounds like a remarkable young woman. She is so pretty and so very young...my heart breaks for you and your family. Having lost my only child,my 23 yr. old daughter, Robyn Nipper-Raspberry, I know the overwhelming pain you feel.

There are no words to take away your sorrrow, but please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers today and in the days to come. I hope Robyn and Katie are friends in Heaven.

Love,

Roycie - Robyn's mom

Karen Thursby

December 26, 2004

Thank you, Lisa, for directing me to Katie's site. She was a lovely girl...and a loss to us all

Bridget Quacchia

August 1, 2004

Lisa,Mark,Gabe & Jason,

Our sadness and heartache for you is beyond anything that we could possibly convey to you with words. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Love, Bridget Quacchia and Mike Humphreys

Allen Abate

May 5, 2004

To Katie's family and friends:

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

God Bless.

Dave and Debby Hall

May 3, 2004

Dear Palmer family,

We want you to know that we are thinking of you and are so sorry about Katie. We feel blessed to have shared last Thanksgiving with your family.

Paula Scholtes

April 30, 2004

Lisa & Mark,

I only met you on New Year's Eve '03, and I remember very well your endearing conversations of your family. My thoughts & love are with you at this time.

Rick and Kate Johnson

April 30, 2004

Dear Lisa, Mark, Gabe and Jason,

Time and distance prevented us from getting to know Katie better. When the boys came up to visit us last summer, they spoke so highly of their sister. We enjoyed an impromptu concert with Gabe and Jason playing their horns under the night time stars of the Eastern Oregon desert. They are so talented and told us of their incredible sister who was just as gifted.

I brought stories of the Palmer kids to work at the home health office, and we cheered with each of their successes. When I shared with my fellow nurses news about the honors and scholarships Katie had received, we were all so proud of her.

Watching our own six children go through the rigors of university life and the tremendous pressures they faced, we could only pray they would survive the stress and the dangers they encountered while so far from home. They have all been saddened to hear of a family member's death. I know that Katie's Great Grandpa Bill and Grandma Fern were in Heaven to greet her and to hold her close as she slipped from one dimension to the next. Life is so fleeting and when our time comes we all will follow her, and she will be there to greet and lead us through just as she helped everyone she met during her life here on Earth.

We join with all the friends and family who grieve the loss of a wonderful young person. Our tears form a common bond in a community touched by one beautiful life now gone and now remembered. Our hearts go out to Lisa, Mark, Gabe and Jason in this time of great sorrow.

With Love, Rick and Kate Johnson

Althea Waites

April 30, 2004

Dear Palmer Family:

I was devastated when I heard the news about Katie's passing from one of my Idyllwild Festival colleagues,Patty Massey. It was simply hard to believe and inconceivable that someone who was so brilliant and talented,someone who had such a bright and promising future is no longer with us.

I worked with Katie when she came to the Idyllwild Music Festival for several summers,and coached her in

chamber music. She was one of the most gracious and generous students I have ever known,and was always appreciative of anything that was done for her or given to her. She never failed to say thank you at the conclusion of a coaching session,and was dedicated and committed to giving and doing her very best. I will never forget her and know that her gifts and legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of those who love her. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of grief.

Peace,Althea Waites

Dall & Judy Sinor

April 30, 2004

Dear Palmer Family,

May your hearts always remember the joy and love you shared with your precious Katie.

Our sincere condolences.

Candice Hsu

April 29, 2004

I find it very difficult to express my sadness over Katie's passing. I, along with many other students, shared classes with her from elementary school to high school, and her spirit affected me in so many ways. Katie impressed me so much with her skills and talents; she had such a rich, wonderful life ahead of her. I can't imagine the pain that her family must be going through right now, but my thoughts are with them.

Judy Skelley-Herseth

April 29, 2004

As the youth director I had the pleasure of knowing Katie when she was involved in my youth bowling class, at Orchard Lanes, in Chico. Over the years I have described Katie as one of the most beautiful, gentle, sweetest little girls I have ever known. When I think of Katie, I see her with a glow all around her. I was not at all surprised to read of all her accomplishments. As a mother, and now a grandmother, I ache at your loss. Katie will surely be one of the most special angels.

Kristin Vanderloop

April 29, 2004

As ironic as it sounds,

we celebrate as we mourn.

Everyone cherishes their memories

of Katie and in doing so,

we realize that Katie is,

as we all are,

one with the world.

Mary Ann Hill

April 29, 2004

Dear Palmer Family:

While I did not know Katie personally, I, like many members of the Wellesley College community, am deeply saddened by her death. Please know that you are, and will remain, in my thoughts and prayers.

Diana Mesa

April 29, 2004

Dear Palmer family,

I was given the honor and privledge to know Katie in Chico State and Chico highschool bands. We sat next to each other and learned and laughed from and with each other. There were times when we knew we had a lot to go over in class and yet...we always found a way to "entertain" ourselves "quietly" durning rehearsal...we never did get introuble for talking durning class! It is hard to hear that someone so much younger than myself has past away. I don't believe there are words that can express what kind of loss this is. My prayers go out to you. Katie and I may not have stayed the "best of friends" but she did make a great impression on, not only myself, but many others. I will miss her.

Molly Boggs

April 29, 2004

I haven't spoken to Katie since she left my elementary school, and I was shocked to hear what happened to her. We were friends in second or third grade. I remember going to her house to listen to and sing along with the Phantom of the Opera soundtrack, which became one of my favorite musicals and stories. We both loved reading, and would take the parts of different characters in books and read them out loud to each other. I hope remembering the time they had with her helps Katie's family and friends get through this.

Colin and Susie Boggs

April 29, 2004

Dear Palmer Family,

When I heard the news about Katie I had a pouring out of memories of seeing her at Neal Dow along with you, Lisa, always on the school grounds.. always involved in the classroom. You were the aide when our daughter Katie was in Mrs. Hauer's class. Our children grow so fast and accomplished so much in the first 18 years of their lives. We, as parents, are so proud of our kids... I can only imagine your pain and grief as I feel pain and grief myself for your loss. I phoned Molly at UC Santa Cruz and she had already heard the sad news. Please take comfort in knowing that everyone, everyone, feels your sorrow. Molly remembers, in 3rd or 4th grade, being envious of Katie for she had all of the American Girl books. Katie was a sweetheart. I realize that we haven't kept in touch since elementary school, but I feel like this could so easily happen to any of our kids. I am so sorry for your loss. May God comfort you, and hold you near with the sweet memories of your darling daughter. Memories of Katie and your family will remain with so many of us, and we will all keep you in our prayers. This is how things are in a small town such as Chico... we all somehow touch each others hearts and I feel sadness in my heart right now for what you must be going through. Please don't be shy about reaching out should you need anything at all. Hugs...

Irene Velez

April 28, 2004

Dear Palmer Family,

I am deeply sorry for the loss of Katie. I knew Katie from Physics and we worked on problem sets together. Her smile, intelligence, and sense of humor will forever remain in my memory. She was a very special soul and her loss has touched everyone in the Wellesley community. She will always remain in our hearts. Your family is in my prayers.

Bryan Harwick

April 28, 2004

I loved Katie so much. I will always miss her. I will keep all of you in my prayers. I owe my music talent to Katie. She was generous and kind and always cheerful when I came to see her for my clairinet lesson. Katie was such a good friend to me. Whenever I play my clairinet I think of her.

Heather (Skripek) Randall

April 28, 2004

Palmer family-

From knowing Katie from kindergarten till our early teenage years, she was a sweet girl with a beautiful smile. The times I spent with her growing up will always be remembered; the many birthday parties, afternoons spent on the trampoline, and the laughter shared will stay with me. I am sorry for your loss and my heart goes out to you. I am praying that the Lord continues to make you a stronger family. Blessings to you in this hard time.

Stella Silverstein

April 28, 2004

Katie was in my writing class, and while she was very quiet, I know she was a nice person and a hard worker. We miss her very much, and wish that she could have experienced more of Wellesley. I extend my deepest condolences to her family and remind them that they are not alone.

Paul & Carol Skripek

April 28, 2004

Our hearts go out to your family. Katie was a precious girl, and her loss leaves such a gap. She had the most infectious laugh, and twinkling personality. She was sunshine to our family, as I know she was to yours. May God comfort and hold you close through this time. Carol, Paul, Heather & Matt

Jerry & Alvin Mulford

April 28, 2004

Our prayers and love are with you all. We had the pleasure of knowing Katie when she would come to our Daughter, Joanne Button's home. With our deepest sympathy. Jerry & Alvin Mulford.

Gail Carvalho

April 28, 2004

Dear Palmer family,

I cannot imagine the grief you are experiencing right now, nor can I express the shock and sadness Katie's passing has caused the entire campus here at Wellesley. But you should know that Katie has touched us all profoundly, even those of us who didn't know her personally. She will not be forgotten, but will remain in our hearts and minds for a very long time to come. Every student here will take the memory of her with them when they leave Wellesley. We will never forget Katie Palmer.

Manijeh Verghese

April 28, 2004

To the Palmer Family,

I knew Katie because we had a class together and I feel lucky to have gotten to know the special, amazingly talented person that she was. She will be missed by all those who knew her. My thoughts and prayers are with you

Nancy Stone

April 28, 2004

Although I didn't know Katie personally, her loss affects all of us. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Melanie Bundy

April 28, 2004

There are no words for the loss of a loved one. I lost my dad June 03 and understand a little of your loss. Lisa came to my mind on Monday the 26th and then I saw the information on Katie. The Lord works in mysterious ways. I was a neighbor in Butte Creek Canyon many many years ago and remember you and yours with fondness. My deepest sympathies at your loss.

Charles Allen

April 28, 2004

Mark & Lisa,

I am so sorry for what has happened,I wish I had an answer for what has happened. Your family is in my prayers.You are special to me.

Krystal Harwick

April 28, 2004

Katie had such a wonderful impact on everyone she came in contact with. I was lucky enough to know Katie through my younger brother Bryan whom she taught clarinet for many years. I saw the love that she had for music and for sharing it with others. She was so loving and patient with Bryan and she helped him discover a love for music. Katie may no longer be here physically, but her spirit will live in our hearts forever. And when I need a reminder of this, I can listen to my brother play his clarinet and know that he's playing it for Katie. To the Palmer Family, my prayers and thoughts are with you always.

Joshua 1:9

Amy Vanderloop

April 27, 2004

Katie was an incredible person and a great friend. Her dedication in every aspect of her life was amazing. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved her. She will be sorely missed.

Lin-Yi & Paul Maslin

April 27, 2004

Dear Palmer Family,

Our hearts are deeply saddened. We feel like we've lost one of our own kids.

Katie's sensitivity, beauty and talents will always stay with us.

With our love,

Lin-Yi & Paul

Melissa Spears

April 27, 2004

The Palmer Family,

Its a lost a big loss she was so sweet but we really never talked to one another that often even though we were both in the same section. When I herd that she had died on friday mornning my heart droped to my stomach just the fact that were the same age and in band togather my prayers are out and hope everything is alright she was sweet and kind and I hopw that the Lord is with Your All for ever.

Melissa Spears

Amy Keene

April 27, 2004

Lisa and family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. I am sorry for your loss.

Supriya Misra

April 27, 2004

I don't even know where to begin. Even though Katie and I went to separate high schools, the memories of our times together in elementary school and junior high stand out vividly in my mind. Many people can attest to her dedication and perseverence in all she accomplished. What I remember most, though, was her willingness to reach out and help others. She was my math buddy, whom I could call whenever I had a question. She devoted many hours helping me improve my clarinet-playing skills. She was always there for me, no matter what it was. She was a beautiful soul, and I will never forget her.

David and Jeannette Crounse

April 27, 2004

We have known Katie for several years now through our daughter Cynthia, and on a delightful sailing trip to Catalina last summer. What a wonderful and unique person she was! Our hearts and prayers are are with you now. God grant you peace and ease in your sorrow.

Charlie Allen

April 27, 2004

I remenber Katie as the most beautful little girl that you wanted to pick her up and carry her around like a little baby doll, and her and her brother teaming up and soaking we with a bucket of water.You have no idea how very special she is to my memories. I do believe that now she gets to view what people of faith only dream of.

Helene Ginsberg

April 27, 2004

Dear Palmer family,

Our prayers and thoughts are with you. May Katie's memory be for a blessing.

With sincerest condolences,

Helene Ginsberg, Andrew Sabersky and Isaac Miller

Neoma Stowe

April 27, 2004

We were saddened to hear of your loss. Our prayers go out to your family.

Tracy McDonald

April 27, 2004

I can only imagine what it must be like to lose an 18 year-old daughter and my heart goes out to Katie's family. My daughter Sophie was friends with Katie at Chico Junior and Chico High. She, and her friends in Santa Cruz who also knew Katie, are feeling a deep loss. Sophie told me that if anyone she knew could win a Nobel Prize, it would have been Katie. Katie's obit is one of the most beautiful I have read; such love shines through. Sending love and support to Katie's family.

Margaret, and Mandy Arbuckle

April 27, 2004

Mandy and I have known you all from Neal Dow on. We lost her dad and my husband 2 years ago and the pain stays and loneliness and questions. We cannot begin to imagine the pain and suffering you are going through! You are all in our prayers, and thoughts. God has Katie in his gentle embrace and her eternal peace and rest has begun. I can't leave the cliches that we got they are well meaning, but don't help. Embrace each other in this time of loss and remember the little silly things and special times. Pray as it WILL help. If there is anything we can do dear ones.

Blessings,

Margaret and Mandy Arbuckle

Andrea Miller

April 27, 2004

Lisa,

I am so sorry for your loss. I know how proud you are of your children, and as a parent, I can't imagine the pain and loss you may be feeling. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Archana and Shekhar Misra

April 26, 2004

Words fail us - Katie will always be in our hearts. Supriya really valued her friendship - we will try to remember and cherish the fun times they had together.

Mike, Pam, Scott, & Jay Dakof

April 26, 2004

Our prayers and love go out to your family

Katie will be remembered always in our memories.

The Dakof Family

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