Joyce Larkin Palmer

Joyce Larkin Palmer, 86, wife of 63 years to George H. Palmer of Hamden, passed away at St. Raphael’s Hospital on March 13, 2023. Born in New Haven on September 18, 1936, she was the daughter of the late John and Marion Fredenburgh Larkin. She is survived by her two loving daughters, Joan Verrillo and her husband Paul of Cheshire and Kimberly Lynn and her husband Andrew of Hamden; six grandchildren, Christopher Culver, USAF and his wife Stephany of Guam, Nicholas Culver and his wife Brittany of Prospect, Jamie Lynn of W. Dover, VT, Jennie Lynn of Southington, Ryan Verrillo of Cheshire, and Leah LaPrade and her husband Chris of Plainville; and five great-grandchildren, Lucas, Gwen, Everly, Caden, and Wyatt Culver. She was predeceased by her identical twin sister, Joan Pierson, and brother-in-law, Kenneth Pierson.

After growing up in New Haven, Joyce graduated from the St. Agnes School of Nursing and worked as a pediatric nurse until her own daughters were born. She also worked at the Knights of Columbus, where she met George. The two married and lived in West Haven before settling in Hamden to raise their family, where they resided for 56 years. She loved being a stay-at-home mom, but once her children were grown and out of the house, Joyce returned to work at a daycare center. Joyce loved vacationing at The Edgewater in Old Orchard Beach, Maine the same week every year with her family and grandchildren for over 20 years. Every breakfast was had at Joseph’s By the Sea, where she always enjoyed her favorite Belgian waffle with strawberries and hot chocolate! Her favorite times were those spent with her family. She doted on all her grandchildren, and then great-grandchildren; never missing any baseball, basketball, soccer or swimming events, and was their biggest fan. Christmas was her favorite holiday, and everyone could count on the tree being overwhelmed by Nana’s presents!

Friends and relatives are invited to visit with Joyce’s family from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Friday, March 17th at BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrating her life at 11:00 a.m. in St. Paul VI Parish-Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 2819 Whitney Ave., Hamden. Burial in St. Lawrence Cemetery. To send condolences to her family, please see obituary at www.beecherandbennett.com.