Joan Julia Palmer

LAKEVILLE — Joan Julia Palmer, 88, passed away peacefully on Oct. 17, 2023, at Noble Horizons in Salisbury after a brief illness.

She was born in Sharon, to Theodore and Ruth Johnson of Canaan.

Joan graduated from Canaan Elementary then Housatonic Valley Regional High School, where she first met her husband, John. She continued her education in the arts in New York City.

Joan and her husband were life-long residents and business owners that raised three children in Lakeville.

Joan was the art teacher for the Lakeville Day Care Center for many years. The children there adored her.

She retired to pursue her passions, painting and world travel. She was a well-known local artist in the Tristate area. Some of her paintings hang in private collections throughout the United States.

She is survived by her daughter, Thea Latourrette, and two sons, Mark and Kurt Palmer; by her grandsons and their partners, Brandon Higley and Julie, Adam Marham and his wife Rania; and by her greatgrand children Abigail and Zachary Marham. 

She was predeceased by her husband, John, and her grand children Tony Higley and Eli Fitch.

A graveside ceremony will be held on Saturday, Nov. 18 at 1 p.m. at the Salisbury Cemetery.

There will not be any calling hours, however there will be a celebration of life and display of some of Joan’s incredible artwork at a future date in the spring.

Special thanks to the Salisbury Volunteer Ambulance Service, Sharon Hospital and Noble Horizon for their high standard of professionalism and dedication of care for their patients.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Salisbury Ambulance in her name.

Arrangements are under the care Newkirk-Palmer Funeral Home in North Canaan.