Mary Louise Palmer

Mary L. Palmer March 13, 1949 - December 12, 2023 At 1:25am on Tuesday, December 12, Mary reunited with her firstborn son, Gary. Mary was a fixture of Crossover Road in Bennington for decades. Mary Louise Harrington Palmer was born on March 13, 1949, the daughter of the late Lillian Jepson Harrington and Edgar Harrington. She was the youngest of seven children. Mary attended school in North Bennington and graduated from Mount Anthony Union High School in 1967. Mary gave birth to Gary and three years later welcomed Kevin. As a single mother, she managed a rambunctious life with two boys with her fierce and fiery personality, and no-bull attitude. However, Mary’s heart grew tremendously when her beloved granddaughter, “Ashley Pip” was born in November 1990. Mary worked at Union Carbide / Eveready Battery in Bennington before she and her friend Rosan Greene, opened Northside Diner in 1991. Mary and Rosan enjoyed and appreciated every person who walked through the front door of the Diner; many of whom became dear friends. Lots of seasonal travelers returned to Northside Diner year after year. When the Diner closed, Mary worked at Bennington College, creating even more memories and friendships, especially with her dear friend, Shelly. Anyone who knows Mary knows that life stopped for the Boston Red Sox. The Boston Celtics held a close second. But there was nothing more enjoyable to Mary than conversation over coffee at her kitchen table with those she loved. And, of course, her dogs as she often said, “I love animals more than most people!” Those keeping Mary’s memory alive are her son Kevin “Champ” Ward and daughter-in-law Jessica Gulley-Ward, her beloved granddaughter, Ashley Ward, and Mary’s precious dog Becky Marie, who is now living with Cindy. Mary’s grand dogs Lucy Belle, Willow, and Taytum. Mary’s siblings Flossie (Bob) Nolan of North Bennington and Charles Harrington of Crowne Point, NY. Her cherished nephew Dave Mattison, adored niece Deb (Harrington) Kennedy, and best friend Cindy Krautheim, all of Bennington. And many more nieces, nephews, friends, and family members. Mary witnessed the passing of her parents, her sisters Jeanne Harrington, Millie Harris, and Donna Taft, her brother Milt Harrington, and nieces, nephews, and close friends. The hardest and most life-altering loss was the passing of her son Gary Ward on April 7, 2014 who died unexpectedly of a brain bleed. Words cannot express our gratitude to those who have supported Mary during these challenging months. Dave, Deb, Cindy; her devoted neighbors Mike & Lori; Kaitlyn Andrews, Monica Jones, and the valiant Hospice team; Dr. Downing, Dr. Algus, and countless others. Mary is finally at peace and pain-free, but saying goodbye bruises our hearts more than words can express. A public graveside service is being held on Friday, December 15 at the Center Shaftsbury Cemetery at 2:30 pm. A celebration of Mary’s life will be held on Saturday, December 16 from 2pm - 5pm at the Bennington Elks Lodge, 125 Washington Ave, Bennington, VT. If friends desire, contributions in Mary’s memory may be made directly to the Second Chance Animal Shelter, 1779 Vermont Rte 7A, Arlington, VT 05250