Joyce Mae (Whitman) Palmatier

Joyce Mae (Whitman) Palmatier, 88, of Williamsport passed away peacefully on February 5, 2026 at home, surrounded by family.

Joyce was born on October 3, 1937, in Williamsport, a daughter of the late Walt and Ann (Snyder) Whitman.

After graduating from Williamsport High School, in 1957, Joyce began her diverse career journey working for Merck Sharp and Dahme FCU and Tetley Tea before changing gears to become a nanny, working in Manhattan and Newport, RI, before becoming an official Walmart greeter in Southern California prior to her retirement. She was not one to sit still!

Joyce is remembered fondly for her profound love of Elvis, the color pink, her Bingo prowess and her wide scope of social endeavors, including membership with multiple Williamsport area social clubs over the years. Joyce was not one to shy away from adventure, including traveling to Portugal with a dear friend, her trip of a lifetime.

Joyce is survived by her children, Kimberly Lazo and her husband Frank of Aguascalientes, Mexico, Denise Carpenter and her husband Peter of Portsmouth, NH; her sister, Marie Cousins (Robert) of Shrub Oak, NY; 7 grandchildren and several great grandchildren. Among her wonderful nieces and nephews, Joyce's surviving children offer sincere gratitude to Mike Bausinger and his fiancé, Gay Harris of Linden, and Michelle Rothrock and her husband Tom of Hughesville. The care and comfort that they provided Joyce in her final months has been nothing short of amazing.

In addition to her parents, Joyce was predeceased by her children, John Deitch of Williamsport, Roberta Deitch of Kitty Hawk, NC, and her beloved sister Shirley Bausinger of Williamsport.

Interment in Montoursville Cemetery will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to the Safe Haus Rescue, 1912 John Brady Drive, Muncy PA 17756 or a charity of one’s choice.

Online condolences may be made on Joyce’s memorial page at www.SandersMortuary.com

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