Janice Pettigrew Palmer

Janice (Pettigrew) Palmer of Asbury Drive, Ithaca, NY, passed away at home on August 28, 2021, while surrounded by her daughters. After a graceful and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, she is now in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and reunited with her loving husband and her mom who will be waiting for her.

Janice was born on June 27, 1939, in Erie, PA. She was the daughter of Jessie and Carl Pettigrew. Janice attended Academy High School and was a member of the graduating class of 1958. At the age of 21, she moved to the Finger Lakes area. Throughout her employment, she was the reservation manager at the Howard Johnson and bookkeeper at B & P Supply Center, her husband, George’s business in Interlaken, NY. Finally, she was a secretary at The Salvation Army of Ithaca Church until 2007 when she retired to take care of her grandchildren, which ended up being her favorite and most important job of all.

She married the love of her life, George, in 1970. During their 28 years of marriage, they made their home in Trumansburg, NY, where they raised two daughters, Jessica and Angela. Janice was an active member of The Salvation Army and with over 55 years of service, she held many local positions including Sunday School Teacher, Bandsman, Songster, SAGA Leader, Women’s Ministries Leader, YPSM, League of Mercy Secretary and was a member of the Corps Council. She was loved by so many family members and friends.

Janice was predeceased by parents, Jessie and Carl; siblings, Carl, Rex, Charlotte, Neal, Charles, Clarence, Ronald, and Dhurwood; and a half sister, Virginia.

She leaves behind daughters, Jessica Palmer and Angela (Chris) McCracken; granddaughter, Riley; grandson, Cole; and step-granddaughter, Maddy; as well as many much-loved nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Calling hours will be Thursday, September 2, 2021, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Lansing Funeral Home, 32 Auburn Road, Lansing. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 4, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Chapel, 160 Graham Road, Ithaca. Masks will be required.

Those wishing to honor Jan’s memory may make contributions in her name to The Salvation Army of Ithaca or St. Jude’s.

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