Helen N. Palmer

Helen Nicholson Palmer, local civic leader and volunteer, formerly of 1201 Reading Blvd., Wyomissing, died December 20, 2012 in The Highlands at Wyomissing.

She was predeceased by her husband, Frank R. Palmer, former president and CEO of Carpenter Technology Corporation on September 4, 1992.

A former president of the Junior League of Reading and the board of managers of the former Home for Widows and Single Women, Mrs. Palmer was an active member of The Reading Hospital Auxiliary Board and Wellesley College Club of Reading which she founded in 1961. She also served on the board of directors of the Lutheran Home at Topton for 20 years.

She was a volunteer with The United Way of Berks County and the Reading Hospital for many years.

Born in Philadelphia, she was a daughter of the late Thomas H. and Florence (Pennington) Nicholson.

Helen was a graduate of Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA and a member of Atonement Lutheran Church, Wyomissing.

"Aunt Helen'" as she was known to many was a caring and involved women with all her extended family who was always gracious and enjoyed being engaged in all family events and was a marvelous hostess. She was particularly good with children. She will be remembered for her a sharp intellect, wide breadth of knowledge, and feisty debating skills on virtually any issue. She will be missed by her loving family.

Surviving are her brother, Thomas H. Nicholson, Jr.; her nephew, Thomas H. Nicholson, III and her niece, Suzanne H. Nicholson, (Harry W. Price), a nephew in law, Cyril J. Collins, three grand nieces, Kristen A. Nicholson, Emily Jane-Marie Gabrysiak, (Damian) Meredith Hart Collins, grand nephew Thomas H. Nicholson IV, a great grand nephew Rowan Thomas Gabrysiak and by Mr. Palmer's seven grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and seven great-great grandchildren.

Helen was predeceased by two nieces: Lynne Nicholson and Nancy Collins and Mr. Palmer's four children.

A Memorial Service will be Saturday, January 19th at 11 a.m. in Atonement Lutheran Church, 5 Wyomissing Blvd., Wyomissing, PA 19610. A visitation will be held 10:30 to 11 a.m. in the church. Burial will be private in West Laurel Hill Cemetery, Bala Cynwyd. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Endowment Fund of Atonement Lutheran Church at the above address. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.