Cordelia Curley Palmer

Cordelia Palmer, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of faith, kindness, and devotion to family and community.

Cordelia was born on June 26, 1937, in New Hampshire to Lillian and Captain John Joseph Curley, Jr., USN. She spent much of her childhood growing up in Pasadena, California, where she developed a lifelong appreciation for the arts and culture.

On August 31, 1957, she married Lt. Col. Robert E. B. Palmer, USMC in San Diego, beginning a devoted partnership that spanned decades. In 1972, they settled in Phoenix, Arizona, where they raised their family and built deep roots in the community.

Cordelia was an active and faithful member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church and a dedicated member of the Sacred Heart Sodality. Her faith guided her life and shaped her generous spirit. Through her work at the church and her career, including at a credit union, she formed many lasting friendships and touched countless lives with her warmth, reliability, and compassion.

She had a deep love for the arts and especially enjoyed musicals and ballets. Cordelia was fond of the color purple and had a lifelong affection for cats—simple joys that brought her much happiness.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, her beloved sisters, Joan and Blossom, and her brother Michael.

Cordelia is survived by her three children, Robert, Jr., John (Anne), and Joanne (Ryan); her four grandchildren, Cody, Logan, Tiernan, and Roisin; several great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews, all of whom were a source of great pride and joy in her life.

She will be remembered for her quiet strength, her faith, and the love she shared so freely with those around her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Funeral Mass will be held at Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 2312 E. Campbell Ave. in Phoenix on Friday, January 9th at 1:00 p.m.  View livestream at staphx.org

She will be laid to rest with her husband at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.

Donation suggestion in lieu of flowers is to First Way Pregnancy Center at https://1stwaydonor.net/