Eleanor S. (Sterling) Palmer

Eleanor S. (Sterling) Palmer, 98, a resident of Canton, passed away peacefully at Copley at Stoughton on Sunday, March 1, 2026. She was predeceased by her husband, Russell M. Palmer. Born in Needham, she was the daughter of the late Joseph D. and Margaret A. (McCormick) Sterling. Ellie was raised in Dover and graduated from Dover High School.

After graduation, Ellie worked at John Hancock before marrying and settling in Natick, where she and her husband raised their family. She loved children and was devoted to supporting her community—volunteering for countless school field trips, Brownies and Girl Scout events, and many other activities.

Ellie worked as a special education teaching assistant with the Natick Public Schools for more than 20 years, a role she cherished, before retiring in 1999. Following retirement, she and Russell moved to Murrells Inlet, SC, where they enjoyed over two decades of life together. Ellie later returned to Massachusetts and had lived in Canton for the past eight years.

She was a member of the Social Order of the Beauceant, active in her church in Murrells Inlet, and an enthusiastic traveler. She loved her book club and treasured time spent with family and friends. Ellie was outgoing, full of spirit, and always ready for the next adventure.

In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her son, Brenton S. Palmer. Ellie is survived by her daughter, Janis E. Palmer, and her late husband Richard Snyder of Murrells Inlet, SC; and her daughter Jennifer Volpe, and her late husband David, of Sharon, MA. She is also survived by her sister, Geraldine McNett, and her late husband William McNett of West Chester, PA, along with many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at Glenwood Cemetery, 50 Glenwood Street, Natick, on Tuesday, March 10th at 10 AM. Friends and family are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ellie’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice.

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