SISTER MARY PALMER

She is survived by nephews and nieces: Jack & Rose, Cathy & Tony, Jim & Stacie, Joey(deceased) & Jane, Susan & George, Chris & Randy, Mary & Vince, Bob III & Sandy, and Lisa & Bruce as well as many, many grand nieces and nephews. Special mention goes to Rose Marie Carroll and Jim of the Ruggiero family.

Sr. Mary attended Sacred Heart Grade School and Mount de Chantal Academy in Wheeling. She entered the Congregation of St. Joseph on September 7, 1957. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Duquesne University, a Master of Arts Degree in Administration from West Virginia University, and did Post Graduate coursework at both Marshall University and Rutgers University.

Her teaching experience included: St. Mary’s, Corpus Christi, Blessed Trinity, and St. Vincent de Paul in Wheeling; All Saints in Bridgeport; St. Peter’s in Fairmont; and St. Francis Xavier in Moundsville. She was Principal at St. Francis Xavier and Blessed Trinity. From 1969-1972, she was part of a missionary experience in Jalapa, Guatemala, which greatly enriched and broadened her outlook on life. She also worked as a Resident Counselor at a Girls Group Home for troubled teenagers in Wellsburg, West Virginia. She served as Principal and President at Wheeling Catholic Elementary for twelve years.

Since 2002, Sister Mary ministered in congregational positions including: Director of Mission Advancement for the Wheeling Founding Sisters. She was the Archivist for the Wheeling Center since 2007. She served as a member in the following organizations: National Communicator Network for Women Religious and the Board of Directors of the Children’s Museum of the Ohio Valley. Sr. Mary was a member of Kiwanis Club of Wheeling, from which she received the Distinguished President award in 2011; Wheeling Hospital Board of Directors; Archivists for Congregations of Women Religious; and the Board of Directors of the Sisters Health Foundation.

In Sr. Mary’s own words: “My vocation began in grade school through the guidance and example of the Sisters of St. Joseph. Sr. Evelyn Polosky taught me in several grades and kept in contact with me while I attended Mount de Chantal Visitation Academy. After graduation, she became my mentor in preparing me to enter. What meant the most to me over the years was the opportunity to give back to the children that I taught all that I learned from the example of the sisters who taught me. The greatest gifts were living with sisters who inspired me and showed me by their example, the spirit and charism of our congregation. One of my greatest joys was to be able to live and work in Jalapa, Guatemala. Even today I keep in contact with the daughter of Don Chico, our catechist. My life has been one of gratitude. At every phase there were sisters, family, and friends who supported and encouraged me through good times and bad times. I am forever grateful to the staff and women of Emmaus House in New Jersey.”

Sr. Mary had a deep love for her family that was demonstrated by remembering everyone on their birthdays and at Christmas and showing up at so many family gatherings. Sr. Mary had the gift of gracious hospitality. She was the warm, smiling face that welcomed you to the house and tended to all your needs. Sr. Mary was a good listener and supported those around her with compassion and wisdom. She was also lots of fun and instigated all kinds of mischief in her days before and during her life as a Sister of St. Joseph.

Family and friends will be received from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday evening and again from 9 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Liturgy at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at Mount St. Joseph, 137 Mount St. Joseph Road, Wheeling, WV. A Vigil service will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday evening and again 9 a.m. until time of Funeral Liturgy at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.

Both the Vigil service & Funeral Liturgy will be live streamed via the links provided below. Interment will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Wheeling, WV.

You are invited to honor Sr. Mary’s life with a donation to the Congregation of St. Joseph by visiting www.AltmeyerFuneralHomes.com.