Shirley J. Palmer

Shirley Jean Palmer, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, went to her heavenly home on November 24, 2025.She was born in St. Louis, Missouri, to Fred and Lois Govier. She had one brother, Fred “Buzz” Govier (Jan), all who preceded her in death. In her early years, she enjoyed teaching ballet to young children, helping at the preschool owned by her parents, and playing clarinet in the marching band.Shirley attended Valparaiso University, where she met her first husband, Lee Evans. They settled in the Chicago area and raised their three children: Jule Bucciarelli (Bob), Lisa Freeman, and Lee Evans, Jr. (Amanda).As an extraordinary stay-at-home mother, Shirley enjoyed volunteering at Trinity Lutheran School, spearheading the monthly hot lunch program, helping establish a food co-op, sewing costumes for school productions and served as a Girl Scout leader. She also volunteered at the Northern Illinois Food Bank.Once her children were older, Shirley turned her lifelong love of travel into a second career, returning to school to become a travel agent. She planned memorable family vacations to varied destinations and marched her children and grandchildren to museums and historic sitesAfter the passing of her first husband in 1992, Shirley met and later married Joe Palmer, who survives her. Together, they embraced life, enjoying traveling, attending concerts, and being active members of Trinity Lutheran Church. In a testament to their compassionate hearts, Joe and Shirley fostered Reba, a Comfort Dog through Lutheran Church Charities who provided care and solace to those in need.Shirley meticulously researched her family genealogy, tracing and connecting many branches of her family tree. Her love of nature was evident in the beautiful flower garden she created in her back yard. She also enjoyed crafting and co-ran the popular holiday craft show with her daughter Julie at Trinity for several years.Shirley enjoyed countless sporting events, concerts, plays, and musicals for her children and later her nine grandchildren: Elizabeth Heller (Scott), Andrew Freeman (Megan), Ryan Tidwell, William Freeman, Ellie Evans, Ethan Tidwell, Lauren Evans, Eli Evans, and Bo Evans. Her legacy continued with the joy of her four great-grandchildren: Emma Freeman, Miles Heller, Rob Freeman, and Cooper Heller.She is also survived by her brother-in-law Larry Evans (Laura) and many beloved nieces and nephews.