Catherine “Kay” M. (Hickey) Palmer, 88, of Millbury, formerly of Shrewsbury, passed away on Saturday, January 7, 2017, at Care One in Millbury. Her loving husband, John Palmer, pre-deceased her in 2008.

Kay is survived by her wonderful children, a daughter, Linda Baniukiewicz and her husband Ted of Worcester; two sons, John “Jack” Palmer and his wife Cathy of Rumford, Maine, and Paul Palmer and his wife Cindy of Sutton; seven grandchildren, Marycatherine, Katelyn, Jessica, Kristen, Madison, Nicholas, and Daniel; two sisters, Theresa Richards of Worcester and Jody Flagg or Turner, ME; nieces and nephews. She was born in Rumford, Maine daughter of the late, Joseph and Alice (Touchette) Hickey. She married the love of her life, and proceeded to raise her family in Worcester; she and John later moved to West Brookfield and “wintered” in Sarasota, Florida, enjoying their retirement and the life they built together. After John’s passing, Kay remained living in Shrewsbury, before moving to Millbury two years ago.

Kay had worked many years at Micro Networks in Worcester, before retiring as a line supervisor. She was a former member of Saint Anne’s Church in Shrewsbury. Her life was filled with the love of family and friends, and known to all as “Nana”. She enjoyed camping, crafts, BINGO, and her loving grandchildren.

Kay’s family would like to extend a warm thanks to all of the wonderful “angels” at Care One in Millbury. Everyone on the staff, from administration to nurses, aides, therapist, kitchen staff and cleaning people were wonderful and made her stay comfortable and loving. She always had a smile on her face and a kiss for everyone.

Calling Hours for Kay will be held on Thursday, January 12, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. Her Funeral will be held on Friday, January 13, from the funeral home, with a Mass at 10 a.m. in Saint John’s Church, 44 Temple Street, Worcester. Interment will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.