Georgia Palmer

Georgia Ann Palmer, 91, of Kansas City, was born January 8, 1923, in David City, Nebraska the daughter of Vincent and Julia (Pekarek) Vanis. She passed away Sunday, February 23, 2014, at the St. Joseph Medical Center, Kansas City, surrounded with love and family.

Upon her mother's death, Georgia became "mother" to her five younger siblings at the age of 13. Her baby brother was two years old at the time. She learned at a young age to become an expert baker of bread and Kolaches.

Georgia moved to Kansas City in 1948. On February 1, 1951, she was united in marriage to Ray Palmer. He preceded her in death on February 9, 2001.

She proudly worked at Luzier Cosmetics for 42 years until her retirement at the age of 68. She was then delighted to volunteer at St. Luke's Medical Center for the next decade. She was a member of Visitation Parish. Georgia has been a treasured resident of Little Sisters of the Poor for the past seven years. Her favorite pastimes included crocheting, needlework, and sewing. Her amazing stitches were precise and a step above the rest.

Georgia was also preceded in death by six brothers, Ray Vanis, Vincent Vanis, Julius Vanis, Henry Vanis, Joe Vanis, and Ted Vanis; and three sisters, Martha Shonka, Tillie Danaher, and Eleanor Rezac.

She is survived by four children, Anna (and Farzin) Mizani of St. Leonard's on-Sea, United Kingdom; Theresa Palmer of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, Laurie Jo (and James) Holmes of Pleasant Hill, and Julian (and Patricia) Palmer of Overland Park, Kansas; seven grandchildren, Sara (and Clyde II) Lowe, Andy Holmes, Matt Strauch, Tiffany Evangelides, Alex Holmes, Dylan Palmer, and Katy Palmer; three great grandchildren, Clyde, Colt, and Cathrynn; one brother Fritz (and Dorothy) Vanis of Ulysses, Nebraska; one sister Bibs Schmillen of Cherokee, Iowa; other relatives and friends.

Mass of Christian burial was held Thursday, February 27, 2014, at Visitation Parish, Kansas City. Interment was in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Kansas City. Casket bearers were Scott Carver, Alex Holmes, Andy Holmes, Clyde Lowe II, Clyde Lowe III, and Dylan Palmer. Honorary casket bearer was Matt Strauch. Memorial contributions are suggested Little Sisters of the Poor and may be sent in care of the funeral home.