On September 17, 2021, Cecilia “Sissy” Palmer, 91, passed away in her home surrounded by loved ones. Sissy was born on April 12, 1930, in Morgantown, to the late Ralph and Carmela LaGatta.
She was a graduate of St. Francis High School and St. Francis Business School. Sissy worked in the business office at Morgan’s Shirt Factory as a tax preparer at H&R Block and at the Monongalia County Courthouse where she served as chief tax deputy upon her retirement. She, along with her husband, Vince, also owned and operated Vincenzo’s pizza shop for many years. Sissy was well known for her service to the community. She was a member of the Monongalia County Building Commission, the Monongalia County Democratic Executive Committee, Quota Club of Morgantown and St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church. In recognition of her service, Sissy was selected as the 1998 Monongalia County Democrat of the Year, Quota Volunteer of the Year, and in 2012 she was inducted into the West Virginia Voter Hall of Fame. Sissy was also known for her cooking and baking as well as her devotion to her family and friends.
In addition to her parents, Sissy was preceded in death by her husband of 34 years, Vince Palmer; infant son, Vince Palmer II; brother, Francis LaGatta; aunts, Eulanda DeProspero, Hazel Gasper, Gloria Barkaszi and Lena Angotti; and uncles, John DeProspero and Ike Deprospero, all raised as siblings.
She is survived by her children, Jeff (Tareva), Vince (Theresa), Perry (Denise) and Kelly; grandchildren, Tony (Amanda), Michael and Allie; sister-in-law, Judith Ann Price (Ron); and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Hastings Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. During this time of COVID, the family requests face masks be worn and social distancing be practiced.
Friends and family will be received at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce St., Morgantown, from 4-7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 21. A Scriptural Wake service will follow at 7 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 1 Guthrie Lane, Morgantown, at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 22, with the Rev. Msgr. Anthony Cincinnati as celebrant. Interment will follow at East Oak Grove Cemetery in Morgantown.
The family would like to thank the fourth floor step-down unit of Mon Health Medical Center, Drs. Arthurs, Gharib, Warden and Mary Hall, Care Partners, Right at Home and WV Caring.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sissy’s memory to Quota Club of Morgantown, 838 Mariner Village, Morgantown, WV 26508 or St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 1 Guthrie Lane, Morgantown, WV 26508.
Condolences:
www.hastingsfuneralhome.com
