Karen Palmer

Karen Smith Veiger Palmer age 76 passed away on Sunday, June 29, 2025 at Hospice of the Valley in Glendale, AZ.

She was born in Erie on January 20, 1949 to the late Richard F. and Jean F. Holland Smith.

Karen graduated from McDowell High School in 1966. She worked at Erie Insurance Group since 1976, most recently serving as the Vice President and Manager of Corporate Learning and Development. She was also a Vice President and served on the board of Sarah A. Reed Children’s Center for many years. Karen was a member of Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters, where she served on the National Ethics Committee and Diversity Committees; Society of Certified Insurance Counselors; American Society for Training and Development and Erie Maennerchor Club.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, John R. Veiger; and her stepdaughter, Sandy L. Minnis.

She is survived by her husband, William L. Palmer of Glendale, AZ; stepdaughter, Erin Palmer-Bayle (Greg) of Erie; stepsons, Anthony B. Veiger (Carol), John R. Veiger, Jr. both of Erie, and Ryan E. Palmer (Holly) of Edinboro, PA; sisters, Carol Norman (Al) of Boardman, OH and Holly Curtin of McKean, PA. She is further survived by niece, Christy H. Norman of Columbus, OH and several step-grandchildren.

Inurnment services will be held at Mary Queen of Peace Cemetery Mausoleum at a later date.

Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, PO BOX 6704 Hagerstown, MD 21741 or Sarah A. Reed Children’s Center, 2445 W. 34th St., Erie, PA 16506.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Burton Quinn Scott Cremation & Funeral Services Inc., Wintergreen, 2532 Norcross Rd., Erie, PA 16510.

Leave condolences at www.BurtonQuinnScott.com