Lynda Kay (Sytsma) Palmer

Lynda Kay Palmer, age 80, of Grand Haven, passed away peacefully at home in her sleep on Sunday, April 20, 2025…fittingly on Easter Sunday, a day where we are surrounded by so many reminders of God's power, and the many blessings of life. The daughter of Edward Sytsma and Helen Borchers, she was born on March 4, 1945, in Grand Haven, MI.

Lynda was a loving wife and caring mother, but nothing made her prouder or brought her more happiness than being a grandma and great-grandma. Words can't adequately describe the love she had for her family, whom she treasured immensely, and would do anything for.

Everything changed when she met Richard Palmer. What started off as a joyride together in his new convertible over to Muskegon, ended in a love story for the ages, fit for a Hollywood movie. They married at St. John's Lutheran Church in Grand Haven on April 28, 1962. That romance created two children, five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. He preceded her in death on February 3, 2009, after 46 years of marriage.

Lynda had a strong love for music, especially Elvis. She enjoyed craft shows, gardening, garage sales, decorating her home for every holiday, and going on casino trips, as well as hanging out with her best friends, Edith Rutkowski and Judy Olechnowicz. More than anything else in the world, she cherished spending time with her grandchildren and the rest of her family.

She is survived by her sister, Sandra (Harold) Cherry; brother-in-law, Don Olson; son, Richard (Jennifer) Palmer, Jr.; daughter, Candi Hall (Joe Riordan); five grandchildren: Brandon Hall, Haileigh Hall (Dan Klopp), Jacob Palmer, Jennifer (Eric) Gervais, and Heather Palmer; five great-grandchildren: Keegan Johnson, Abby Palmer, Mallory, Giuliana Gervais, and Kya; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Richard; sister and brother-in-law, Paula (Jim) Fairbanks; sister-in-law and close friend, Marie Olson; and great-grandson, Asher Klopp.

The Funeral Service for Lynda will take place at 1:00 p.m., on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Klaassen Family Funeral Home, with Pastor Emmett Brown officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be at West Olive Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions in honor of Lynda and her beloved GrandDog, Trixie, may be made to Harbor Humane Society or Heaven Can Wait Animal Haven.
 

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