Joyce Palmer Rowe

June 25, 1933 – May 25, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we share that Joyce Palmer Rowe, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to many passed away on May 25, 2025 at Mayo Healthcare in Northfield, VT. She will always be remembered for her sweet smile, sense of adventure, and zest for life.

Joyce was born on June 25, 1933, at her parent's home in Waitsfield, VT to Everett and Kathryn Hallock Palmer. She was a graduate of Waitsfield High School and was salutorian for her graduating class. She continued her education at Johnson State College, graduating in 1955 with her teaching degree.

On February 19, 1956, she married Robert Rowe of Chelsea, VT whom she met while attending Johnson. Bob and Joyce were married for 59 years prior to Bob's passing in 2015. During her teaching career, she taught at Montpelier, Northfield, and Berlin Elementary schools. She "retired" from teaching in 1994 but continued subbing until she was eighty-two years old. Joyce loved her students and felt she made a difference in the lives of many young people. In 1970, Joyce was invited to be a charter member of the Vermont chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa, the International Honorary Sorority for Women Educators. She held several positions throughout the years, including that of treasurer during the chapter's first year.

Joyce had many interests: antique car shows and restoring antique cars and trucks with Bob, family reunions and genealogy research; she and Bob completed six family genealogies. Joyce and Bob's son, Steve, shared his parent's interest in genealogy and continues researching and adding to the family history. In addition to taking rides and stopping for a creemee, Joyce loved to read, play cards, put together jigsaw puzzles, play golf, camp and explore New England, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia and was a great collector of Tonka Toys, the VT Life magazine, Pez dispensers and children's antique toys. Joyce was a great "people person." She enjoyed being out-and-about seeing, and making, friends. Together, Joyce and Bob were proprietors of the Meadow Mart in Montpelier from 1976 – 1992.

Joyce was the happiest when she was with her family and loved gathering, especially at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the previously mentioned family reunions. Her adventurous spirit was evident when she joined Deb, Karen and sometimes her granddaughters for "girls' trips" to New York City, Washington, D.C., Las Vegas, St. Louis, and Denver. Two traveling highlights were an excursion with Deb to visit John, Karen and their son Ben in Okinawa, Japan and a special trip with Deb and her family to see John and Karen in Oahu, Hawaii. She also enjoyed attending her grandchildren's school and sporting events to include high school and college graduations. "Gram" was so proud of all their accomplishments.

Joyce is survived by her son, Steve (JoAnn) of South Burlington, VT; daughters Debra of Essex Junction, VT; and Karen (John) of Northfield, VT. Survivors also include sister Lois (Al) Richardson of Springfield, MA; grandchildren Kristy Sue Goodwin (Jason), Katherine Rowe, Megan Moriarty (Sean), Micheal Reardon, Jennifer Reardon, Stephanie Langley (Patrick) and Benjamin Broadmeadow (Viktoria) as well as eight great-grandchildren and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Joyce was predeceased by her parents, Everett and Kathryn Palmer; husband, Bob; son, Peter; son-in-law, James Reardon; siblings, Delbert Palmer and Carol Atwood; and grandchildren, Sara and Jonathan Broadmeadow.

Calling hours will be held on June 3, 2025 from 5:00-7:30 at Guare and Sons in Montpelier. A graveside service will be held 1:00 pm on June 4, 2025 at the Waitsfield Common Cemetery with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flower, please consider a donation to the Berlin Elementary School- Playground Fund, 372 Paine Turnpike N, Berlin, VT 05602.