PALMER, Patricia (Rocky)

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ August 6, 2009 Patricia "Rocky" O'Hare Palmer was born in St. Louis, Mo., on Jan. 14, 1919. She was the daughter of E .J. and Selma O'Hare. Her father was the most important and influential person in her life. The O'Hare airport in Chicago was named after her brother, Edward "Butch" O'Hare who was a World War II fighter pilot, hero and recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor. Rocky came to Phoenix in 1940 to visit her sister, Marilyn O'Hare Tovrea, and met and married the love of her life, Dr. Paul Palmer. She had lived here ever since. Rocky spent many of her summers at her cabin in South Fork. Rocky was an irreplaceable human being. She was intelligent, wise, fun, witty, clever, adventurous, beautiful, creative, generous, a world traveler and an avid reader. She especially loved her friends and family. She was elegant and well-dressed (a past president of the Costume Institute at the Phoenix Art Museum). Rocky believed that love opens the door to everything and Rocky's door was always open and welcoming. The family would like to thank Sandy King, Kathy Kovarovic, Hospice of the Valley and the nurses and people at Arcadia Estates for the wonderful care that Rocky received. "We are all most appreciative." Rocky is preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Paul V. Palmer Sr. and her son, Dr. Paul V. Palmer Jr. She is survived by five children, Patsy (Ed) Lowry, Victoria (Nye) Heinicke, Abigail (Paul) Baker, Butch (Lindy) Palmer and Michael (Pam) Palmer. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Rocky's motto was "survive and surmount" which is what her family will do. A celebration of Rocky's life will be held at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 100 W. Roosevelt, at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15. Dress in Arizona summer casual. Contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be sent to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower