Phyllis C. Palmer, 74

Phyllis C. Palmer, 74 of Massena (formerly of Norwood N.Y.) peacefully passed away on the evening of April 23, 2019, under amazing care at Massena Memorial Hospital. Arrangements are with the Larue & Pitcher Funeral Home, Ogdensburg, N.Y.

Phyllis C. Palmer was born on October 17, 1944, in Hopkinton, N.Y. to the late Roy and Bessie (Stark) Chase. The family moved to Randolph Vermont where Phyllis would graduate from Randolph Union High School. She was then employed at Canton Potsdam Hospital as a transcriptionist and later in life was self-employed with Hamilton Ferry as owners of Ham's Mini Mart in Sevey's Corners.

Phyllis leaves behind her daughter, Kaneta (Palmer) and John Cameron of Massena, her daughter-in-law Kimberly Rutley of Potsdam; stepdaughters- Lori Palmer, Buckton, N.Y. and Deanna (Ferry) Haggerty Rochester, N.Y.; stepsons Stewart Palmer, Norwood, N.Y. Jerry and Leo Palmer, Florida, Scott Ferry, and Craig Ferry, Rochester, N.Y. Dean Ferry, Florida.

She is also survived by her brothers Arnold and Elaine Chase, Marshall and Lori Chase, Terry Chase, all of Vermont, and Merle Chase (deceased); her sisters- Christine (Chase) and Chet Manning and Iris (Chase) King, both of North Carolina. Rose (Chase) Woods (deceased). A sister-in-law Marge Chase of Vermont and brother-in-law Roger and Sandy Woods, Parishville.

Phyllis is also survived by her loving grandchildren- Joshua, Samuel, Chelsea, Chase and her step-grandchildren, Eric, Sara, Charlie, Ben, Jeremy, Beth, Jackie, Aleah, Brandon, Alexandra, Christi, Heath, Heidi, Morgan, Bryant, Desiree and Rhiannan.

Phyllis was predeceased by her husband of 20 years, Myron A. Palmer, in November of 1987, her son Scott Palmer in January of 2003 and her life partner of 30 years, Hamilton A. Ferry in August of 2018.

Phyllis's life had two uniquely special chapters. She graduated, got a job, fell in love and became a wife and a mother. They had a lot of good times and many hard times. Through it all, she was the guiding light for her children and someone they could always count on. She was always there, unwavering in her love and support for her family. Even through the worst adversity life could send her way she always found a way to get through it.

In her darkest days, she once again found the light. That light was Hamilton Ferry and the start of the second chapter of her life. Phyllis and Ham completed each other. They traveled the country in his tractor-trailer creating memories and forming a love that lasted over 30 years. When these adventures were done they moved to the Adirondacks and together opened Ham's Mini Mart at Sevey's Corners. Yet another adventure they shared. Phyllis loved her life but she loved her kids and grandkids even more. They had an unbreakable bond and her grandkids absolutely adored her. Phyllis will always be remembered as the light in our lives.

There will be a graveside service on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at 10 a.m. at the Riverside Cemetery on Lake Shore Drive, Norwood, N.Y. with a luncheon to follow at the American Legion on Maple Street in Norwood. All family and friends are welcome. In lieu of flowers, any donations can be made in Phyllis's name to the American Cancer Society.