Dorothy S. Palmer

Dorothy S. Palmer, 90, affectionately known as "Sis," died Wednesday evening following a long illness. Her loving and devoted husband of sixty nine years, Dr. George Palmer of Westbrook, survives her. She leaves her son, State Supreme Court Justice Richard Palmer, of Cromwell, and his partner, Eileen Lynch of Centerport, New York, and her daughter Peggy Palmer and son in-law Rick Hornung, of Haddam, and two grandchildren, Sarah Hornung, of Brooklyn, N.Y. and Gabriel Hornung, of Cambridge, Ma. A native of Hartford, "Sis" was given her nickname by her older brother, Irvin Sigal, as they grew up in West Hartford, where she graduated from Hall High School. While attending Simmons College in Boston, she began to date George Palmer of Middletown, starting the romance that would shape the rest of her life. After George's honorable discharge from the army, they married in a ceremony at Hartford's Bond Hotel in 1946. The Palmers raised their children in Wethersfield and at her beloved Stannard Beach in Westbrook. For many years, Sis studied painting with Paul Zimmerman of West Hartford and became an accomplished artist. She was granted membership in the American Watercolor Society, the Connecticut Watercolor Society, the art associations and art leagues in West Hartford, Madison, Clinton, Essex and Mystic. In 1982, she won the Paul Remmey Award presented by the American Watercolor Society. Her paintings were shown in galleries in New York City, Palm Beach, Boston and throughout Connecticut. Her work is in private collections across the United States. Until the last years of her life, Sis maintained an active studio in her homes in Westbrook and North Hutchinson Island, Fla. As a couple, the Palmers traveled across North America and Europe. In addition to painting, Sis loved to read; she played the piano, enjoyed ski trips with friends from Wethersfield and avidly cheered the UConn Huskies men and women's basketball teams. With her husband's patient tutelage, she learned how to play tennis and together the Palmers partnered to become a formidable doubles team, taking on all comers on the courts behind their Stannard Beach home. Throughout her life, Sis prided herself on her strong attachments to her entire extended family of Herbert and Norma Palmer, Arthur "Obbie" and Bert Palmer, Stewart "Tootie" and Ruby Palmer, Dr. Saul and Janetta Seligman, Dr. Larry and Florence Palmer, Irvin and Lee Sigal. A welcoming and loving aunt to all of her nieces and nephews, she held a special place for Jonathan and Roger Sigal. One of her greatest joys was becoming a grandmother. She taught Sarah how to paint and Gabriel how to play tennis. She always asked if they wanted to join her for her favorite desert -- ice cream and cookies. She could not have loved them more. In this time of mourning, the family offers many heartfelt thanks to Danielle of Compassionate Care, the nurses, aides and staff of Vitas Innovative Hospice Care. In memory of Sis, the family asks friends to make a contribution to a charity of their choice. Temple services for Sis will be held on Sunday, February 8, 2015 at 2:30PM at Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek, 55 East Kings Highway in Chester. Burial will follow in the Rodfe Zedek Cemetery in Moodus. To share a memory or send a condolence please visit www.rwwfh.com. Arrangements by Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, Centerbrook.