Donna J. Palmer

Donna J. Palmer, 74, of Syracuse, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2025. Donna grew up in Kirkville on the farm of Robert and Jennie Dixon, her foster parents. She attended East Syracuse Minoa Schools, where she lettered in girls’ athletics. She also attended Onondaga Community College Nursing School and the American School of Drafting and graduated as an electro-mechanical draftsman. She retired from Onondaga County DSS as a supervisor in Adult Protective Services in 2009 after 30 years of service. She also retired from KS&R Research as a supervisor in 2012 after 15 years.

She is predeceased by the love of her life and longtime partner, Kathy Williams, and her foster parents, Robert and Jennie Dixon; her father, Arthur Palmer; her mother and stepfather, Helen and George Guido; her sisters, Linda Rudick and Rose Guido.

Donna is survived by her sister, Mary (Dianne) Guido; her aunt, Barb King; uncle, Robert Palmer; close cousin, Sheila Sellin; her niece, Christine Rudick; and nephews, Gary (Lori) Rudick, TJ (Alison) Rudick, and Steven Rudick (Jenelle); great nieces, Alyssa, Olivia, Anna and Gracelynn; great nephews, Alex and Quinn; as well as many other cousins and countless friends.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Francis House who took wonderful care of her in her final days. We would also like to recognize and thank her neighbors, Carla Pittarelli and Kathie Piirak, for the compassion they’ve shown Donna over the years and the care they’ve given her during her time of need.

Calling hours will be Tuesday, October 28, 2025, 4-7pm, at the New Comer Funeral Home, 705 North Main Street, Syracuse, NY 13212. Funeral services and mass will take place Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at 10:00am at Our Lady of Hope Roman Catholic Church, 4845 South Salina Street, Syracuse, NY 13205. Internment will take place immediately following the services at North Syracuse Cemetery, next to Kathy and her family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be in Donna’s name to any pet rescue organization or to the Francis House, 108 Michaels Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13208.

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