Vivian Golden Palmer
A dedicated community volunteer and long-time supporter and council member of the Berks History Center, formerly the Historical Society of Berks County, Vivian Golden Palmer of Wyomissing died in her Wellington, Florida home on Sunday, February 8, 2015 at the age of 93.
Born on August 12, 1921, in Reading, she is the daughter of Albert W. and Mary (Hoffman) Golden. She was predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Richard M. Palmer who died on April 14, 2009.
Vivian was a graduate of Penn Hall Preparatory School and Harcum Junior College where she received her degree in interior design. She had a life-long interest in history and decorative American arts. It was this love of history that drew her to begin volunteering in the library of the Berks History Center. She was one of the first women to be elected to its council and she served as its secretary from 1965 to 1970. In 1988, she co-chaired the county capital campaign that resulted in the renovations to the Center’s building at 940 Centre Ave. and the addition of a library wing. She also was a member of the Publication Committee and helped create editorial policy regarding the quarterly magazine, “The Review,” until she became a council member emeritus in 1993.
Her dedication to voluntarism began in 1942, during World War II, when she volunteered with the Red Cross Motor Corps and the Reading Air Chutes, makers of cargo chutes for the U.S. Army. She was a dedicated member of the Junior League of Reading, chairing many of the organization’s committees, a former board member of the Greater Valley Council of Girl Scouts, a former board member of the Children’s Home of Reading and a successful fund raiser and volunteer for the Council of Social Agencies and Planned Parenthood of Berks County. She was a longtime member of Atonement Lutheran Church, Wyomissing.
One of her proudest achievements was helping her husband establish the R.M. Palmer Co., a worldwide leader in novelty chocolate candy. She was a member of the Board of Directors and served as Board Secretary until her retirement in 1982.
She enjoyed horses and golf, having won several tournaments at her local club, Berkshire Country Club, and scored a hole-in-one at her long-time Florida club, Jupiter Hills Club, Tequesta. She also enjoyed gardening, traveling and cooking gourmet meals for family and friends.
But her greatest love was her family: Richard M., husband of Jean (Daley) of Reading, Thomas C., husband of Marjorie (Thomas) of Tyler, Texas and Mary M., of Wyomissing. She cherished her grandchildren: Daphne Palmer Fleck, wife of Jon Fleck, Oley, Joe Palmer of Burleson, Texas, Anne Palmer of Tyler, Sally Palmer of Katy, Texas, Christina Heller, wife of Ian Forester, Los Angeles, CA, Kathryn Heller of San Francisco and great-grandchildren Jonathan Palmer Fleck and Jacob Fleck, both of Oley.
Her funeral service will be held at Atonement Lutheran Church, Wyomissing, on Tuesday, February 17th at 11 AM. Visitation with the family will be from 10 AM to 11 AM. Interment at Charles Evans Cemetery will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Berks History Center, 940 Centre Ave., Reading PA 19601.
Henninger Funeral Home Inc. is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.henningerfuneralhome.com.
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