Kathleen Ann Palmer, 67
Oct 06, 2025
Kathleen Ann Palmer, of Bristol, New Hampshire, sadly passed away Saturday, September 27, 2025. She was 67 years old. She peacefully succumbed to a long battle with declining health at home with her loved ones.
Kathleen was born on September 13, 1958 in Quincy, Massachusetts. She was the daughter of the late Richard Arthur Bishop and the late Elaine O. Leone. She was sister to the late Richard Arthur Bishop, Jr. and his wife, who was Kathy‘s closest lifelong friend, Connie Bishop, and sister to Robert Arthur Bishop and his wife Donna.
Kathleen was married to John Palmer of Plymouth MA and has six beloved children and 13 beloved grandchildren and way too many nieces and nephews to count.
She leaves behind her oldest daughter, Jacqueline Lee Flanders and son-in-law Donald Flanders. Her daughter, Angela Marie Williamson and partner Timothy Reed. Her daughter, Christine Ann Barnhart and son-in-law Michael Barnhart. Her son Michael Taylor Bishop. Her son Tyler John Bishop and daughter-in-law Jennifer Bishop. Lastly her son, John William Palmer. She also leaves behind her grandchildren who adore her immensely. Amongst them are Caitlyn Conneen, Jaymz Williamson, Isaac Flanders, David Williamson, Peter Dauphin, Noah Flanders, Tre Leggett, Lily Palmer, Hailee Bishop, Aidyn Edwards, Quintyn Palmer, Declyn Palmer, and Ollie
Palmer.
Kathleen lived her elementary years in Dorchester MA and moved to Hanover MA as a young adult here she met her first husband and love of her life, Brian H. Giroux. Their marriage lasted seven years but her adoration for him lasted a lifetime. She spent the remainder of her life married to her second husband, John Palmer. Their relationship started in Plymouth MA and they moved to Bristol, New Hampshire in 1988. Kathy remained in Bristol for the rest of her life, surrounded by her children, her grandchildren, her beloved pets (of which there were many) nature and the glory of Newfound Lake. She lived a simple life focused on family, friends and community. She had the gift of gab and a mouth to go with it. Those that had the pleasure of knowing her know she spoke the raw absolute truth always, whether you wanted to hear it or not. Her journey on this earth was marked by unconditional love and that is no doubt what kept her alive until the very end.
Kathleen was affectionally known by her children (and many friends) as Ma and that is the one name that she responded to right up to the last moments of her life. She spent the last 14 years in her own backyard growing gardens, “spilling the tea”, and helping to
Kathleen lived her elementary years in Dorchester MA and moved to Hanover MA as a young adult here she met her first husband and love of her life, Brian H. Giroux. Their marriage lasted seven years but her adoration for him lasted a lifetime. She spent the remainder of her life married to her second husband, John Palmer. Their relationship started in Plymouth MA and they moved to Bristol, New Hampshire in 1988. Kathy remained in Bristol for the rest of her life, surrounded by her children, her grandchildren, her beloved pets (of which there were many) nature and the glory of Newfound Lake. She lived a simple life focused on family, friends and community. She had the gift of gab and a mouth to go with it. Those that had the pleasure of knowing her know she spoke the raw absolute truth always, whether you wanted to hear it or not. Her journey on this earth was marked by unconditional love and that is no doubt what kept her alive until the very end.
Kathleen was affectionally known by her children (and many friends) as Ma and that is the one name that she responded to right up to the last moments of her life. She spent the last 14 years in her own backyard growing gardens, “spilling the tea”, and helping to
raise her grandchildren who lovingly referred to her as Nan. She fought harder than anybody to get well and stay with her family but unfortunately the odds were against her. Her passing has left a humongous void in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, family, and friends who will forever cherish her existence and memories. She gave her heart and her soul to her loved ones who will do
their best to carry on her legacy of love, laughter, connection, and family.
Kathleen’s remains will be cremated and there will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 11, 2025 from 1 until 6 PM in the Alexandria Town Hall, 47 Washburn Road, Bristol, New Hampshire.
Arrangements are by the O'Neill Funeral Home, 59 Peirce Street, Middleboro. To offer condolences online: www.oneillfuneral.com
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