Shirley (Kite) Palmer

Shirley (Kite) Palmer, 89, of Syracuse, passed away Monday at Francis House, surrounded by her loving family. A lifetime resident of the Syracuse area, she was a proud graduate of Central High School. Shirley was a dedicated homemaker, always making her family a priority. She found joy in simple pleasures and cherished moments spent with them throughout her life. Shirley later worked at Syracuse University in the registrar's office for over 10 years, where she demonstrated her strong work ethic and commitment to excellence. She was a devout communicant of Holy Family Church and generously gave her time to volunteer at St. Joseph's Health Hospital and Holy Family faith formation.

In her free time, Shirley enjoyed time spent at Tuscarora Golf Club with her husband and treasured the relationships she built there.  

Shirley was predeceased by her parents, Norma and Michael Kite; and sister, Paulette DeFuria.

Surviving are her loving husband of 68 years, Robert; daughters, Lori (Patrick) Quirk of Myrtle Beach, SC, Karen (Tom) Adams of Forestport, and Christine (Jerry) Campbell of Liverpool; son, Robert M. (Kimberly) of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren, Stephanie, William, Frank, Peyton, Preston, and Emerson; brother, Peter (Bonnie) Kite of Brewerton; sister, Maryann Finn of Fayetteville; and several nieces and nephews. 

Robert and his family extend their heartfelt gratitude to Hospice of CNY and of the Finger Lakes, as well as Francis House, for their compassionate care provided to Shirley.

To help celebrate Shirley’s life, relatives and friends are invited to gather on Friday, May 17, 2024, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus. A funeral service to honor Shirley’s life will follow in the funeral home. 

Shirley will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery, DeWitt.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Central New York Chapter of the Autism Society, 4465 E. Genesee St., PMB 252, DeWitt, NY 13214 or to Francis House, 108 Michaels Ave., Syracuse, NY 13208.