Georgena “Jo” PALMER

Georgena grew up on a farm near Vulcan, Alberta with her four brothers. After graduation, she worked in the housekeeping department of the hospital in Grand Prairie. She later returned to Calgary, working as a telephone operator until a visit to BC, where her parents owned the Grasmere General Store, changed her life forever. This is where she met the love of her life, Herb Palmer, when he literally “fell” through the door (after too many beverages with the boys) and into her life. A whirlwind romance, and a trip to the Hitching Post in Cour D’Alene Idaho, with her brother Wayne and wife Sharron as witnesses, they were married December 19, 1964. A party at the Grasmere Hall followed, and their journey began.

After living in Grasmere, then in Elko for a brief period, Georgena settled in Baynes Lake to begin life alongside her husband, building their farm/cattle operation, raising a family, and working as a janitor for the BC Forest Service in Elko for many years. Times were tough, but they persevered.

Georgena was a kind soul, loving and welcoming to all who came into her home. Her policy was, “set another plate” if you arrived at dinner, or a bed was available if needed. Many, many meals, pots of coffee and beverages were served with a healthy dose of stories and tons of laughter. She always made everyone feel welcome.

Georgena loved her chickens and her garden, always growing far more than needed for her family, so often, generously gave produce away to those who needed it. She had a soft spot for all animals, but definitely loved her cats, and could often been seen walking to the mail with an entourage following her.

Georgena’s journey was not an easy one as she was often riddled with health issues. Even through all the days of pain and feeling unwell, she still tried to do her best tending to her family/home and friends, smiling her way through. She loved being a grandmother and then a great grandmother, always there for her family as best she could be.

Georgena loved her friends and cherished the people in her life. The PR Campground that her and Herb built was a source of great pleasure for her as so many friendships ensued from there. She looked forward to summer and catching up.

Those left to cherish her memory and continue her legacy are her three children and their families: daughter Leah (Toby) with grandson Lewis Dominick (Shelby) and great granddaughter Summer, her son Tony (Holly) with grandchildren Jocelynn, Austin, Alyah, and Nicholas, and great grandson Bexlee, and son Jamie Wheaton (Bonnie) with grandchildren Brenda Uhl (Les) Lori, Mark (AJ), and Randy, and great grandchildren Gillian, Kaylee and Easton, and her brother Pat Woodman (Rianne), and many nieces and nephews.

Predeceased before her, her loving husband Herb, parents Ruth and Don Woodman, and brothers Wayne, Doug, and Bill.

We will grieve her passing, but her loving spirit will live on in the hearts of the many who were fortunate enough to know her.

A huge thank you to all who were friends, who visited, and to Homecare Support for the incredible care they provided. Thank you also to Dr. Lowen and staff at the Elk Valley Hospital, and to the Baynes Lake Volunteer Department for the selfless sacrifice you make to provide this valuable service to our community. There are so many more who helped with her care and we want you to know that you are not forgotten; there are just too many to list, but you are all loved and appreciated. Thank you!

A celebration of life will be held at the Baynes Lake Hall at a later date, to be announced.

www.cherishedmemoriesfs.com