Karen (Brensinger) Palmer

Karen B. Palmer, 66, passed away peacefully on Friday May 13. She was the daughter of the late Frank H. Brensinger, Sr., and Lucille (Reinhart) Brensinger. A 1974 graduate of Liberty High School, Karen worked in sales management in California and as a Certified Dental Assistant for over 25 years in the Bethlehem area. She was a life-long active member of Westside Moravian Church.

Karen treasured her family and friends. She is survived by her loving husband of 43 years, Michael; son Christopher of Bethlehem; son Benjamin and his wife Heather of San Jose, CA; three adored grandchildren: Logan, Abigail and Amelia; mother, Lucille Brensinger of Bethlehem; brother Frank (Skip) Bressinger,

Jr., and his wife Lois of Bethlehem; nephew John Brensinger of Allentown and niece Amy Bresinger of Bethlehem. Her sister-in-law, Carrie DeYong and daughter, Candice of Tracy, CA; as well as numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Although she enjoyed the family home at Lake Wallenpaupack, the beach, traveling, and cruise ship vacations, her affiliation in the PA Coalition for Mercury Free and Safe Removal Dentistry was Karen’s passion. Karen was a kind hearted, passionate advocate for those whose health had been damaged because of unnecessary dental mercury exposures such as the environment, medicine, vaccines, and veterinary; especially the importance of informed patient consent. This led her to testify before

the Food and Drug Administration in 2006, 2010 and 2019. In 2006 these testimonies resulted in a federal lawsuit about mercury poisoning. Karen was featured in the 2007 Norwegian documentary, Mercury Mystery, bringing attention to mercury exposure in dentists, dental assistants, and patients. As a member of the State Department, she spoke in Washington, D.C., in 2012. Karen served as associate producer for the 2015 American documentary, Evidence of Harm. She lectured across the United States and England.

Contributions may be made in Karen’s memory to:

-Westside Moravian Church, 402 Third Ave, Bethlehem, PA 18018

- St. Luke’s Hospice, 240 Union Station Plaza, Bethlehem, PA 18015

-Allentown Rescue Mission, 355 Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18101

-International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology

-Dental Amalgam Mercury Solutions

A memorial service will be held at West Side Moravian Church, 402 3rd Avenue, Bethlehem, PA 18018, on Friday May 20th.