Joen Palmer

Joen Marie Palmer, age 79, passed away May 8, 2013 in Peoria, Arizona. Joen was born December 18, 1933 in Chicago, Illinois. She was adopted and raised by Sidney & Martha Smith. She graduated from Mankato State Teachers College and worked as a music teacher. Joen moved to Arizona in 1963 where she began working at Gompers Habilitation Center. She married Donald Palmer in 1965 and they made their home in Phoenix. She later taught in the Washington School District in Phoenix as a Music Teacher retiring in 2001. Joen loved her Schnauzer dogs and had raised champion dogs. She was preceded in death by step-son Gary Palmer. Joen is survived by her husband Donald of Phoenix and step-daughter Rhonda Palmer of Brownwood, Texas and 4 grandchildren: Danielle, Nicole, Darrell "Duke", and Sabrina, and 5 great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Joen's life will be held on Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at Wickenburg Funeral Home. Memorial contributions in Joen's name can be made to the Humane Society or the Cactus State Schnauzer Club or Schnauzer Rescue.