Beverly J. Palmer

OREGON- Beverly J. ""Bevie"" Palmer, age 70, passed away in her own bed, surrounded by her loving husband, family, and friends on Wednesday, June 10, 2009. It was a peaceful parting after several grueling years of fighting four horrible cancers.   Beverly was born on March 11, 1939 in Madison, a daughter of the late Arne and Tena (Severson) Bendickson. She was married to Gary J. Palmer on June 12, 1981 in Oregon, Wis. Bev worked in middle management with several CPA / accounting firms, and was a coach and assistant coach to some of Oregon and Madison's greatest little league teams. Bev was full of energy and enjoyed many activities; including volunteering at the hospital and helping form a support group for patients with head and neck cancer. She especially loved to travel and all things involving her grandchildren.   Bev's premature passing was a quiet, peaceful tribute to her loving, caring, sharing, warm and fuzzy life. No one could have asked for a better wife, soul mate, mother, grandmother, neighbor or friend. Everyone who came in contact with her was touched by her optimism, humor, and gentle heart. Her amazing strength in the face of decades of battling cancer was inspirational; but as with any tough situation she encountered in life, she just ""put on her big girl panties"" and dealt with whatever came her way. The only thing she ever hated was cancer, which tore her heart to pieces by taking her brother, sister, and nephew -- and her three closest friends and confidants: Darlene Olson, Marlene Peck, and her very special friend, Joyce Wheeler.   Beverly will be dearly missed by her loving family: husband, Gary; sons, Jaymi (Jill) & Jefri (Pam) Najdowski; daughter, Jodie Mender; stepsons, Chip (Shobha) & Andy (Jolie) Palmer; stepdaughter, Lauran (Dan) Kobe; 10 grandchildren, Zach, Danielle, Andrew, Amanda, Travis, Sarah, Kristen, Drew, Katie, and Brooke; sister, Audrey Schlichting; mother-in-law, Ruth; sister-in-law, Dona Palmer (Tom Spellman); and brother-in-law, Jeff (Anne) Palmer. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.   The family extends special thanks and gratitude to the UW Hospital oncology team, in particular Dr. Anne Traynor and Dr. Paul Harari and their staff, whose skill and dedication added years and quality to Bev's life, and to the nurses and aides on floor 6-B who treated her with enduring care and respect.   Beverly was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Donald; sisters, Doris and Marion; father-in-law, Lyle Palmer; and nephew, Mark Bendickson.   A mass celebrating the Life of Beverly will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 19, 2009 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 221 Frederick St, Belleville, with Father Ken Klink officiating. Friends may call at the church on Thursday, June 18, 2009 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.   In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be directed to: Head and Neck Cancer Research at the UW Carbone Cancer Center.