Claudine Gates Palm

   Claudine Gates Palm, 94, formerly of Mattawana, passed away March 20, 2021 at Valley View Haven, Belleville.  Born November 6, 1926 in Mount Union, PA to the late Lester and Evalyn (Sheerer) Gates, she was the second born of their five children. 

   She was predeceased by her sisters Weeonna Harves and Blanche Kenney; and her brother Ira “Bud” Gates.  

   She is survived by her brother Claude Gates and his wife Darlene of Reading,  

   Claudine and Eugene Brooks Palm (deceased February 2000) joined in 52 years of marriage and together raised three children: Carol Kenepp (Larry) Stroup, Claudia (Park) Myers, both of Belleville, and Clinton Palm of Duncannon, PA.

   Her love of children showed with her skill at babysitting and playing games with her eight grandchildren: Claudette Ranck, Rob Glenney, Zane Kenepp, Aaron Kenepp, Nathan Kenepp, Jeremy Kenepp, Adam Palm and Zach Palm. Claudine had the joy of also entertaining some of her 16 great-grandchildren.  Her family grew with the arrival of three great-great-grandchildren, obtaining the title of five generations.  Sunday evening pizza parties with homemade ice cream became a favorite event for her grandchildren. She was known as “Granny” to all these grandchildren, a name she chose to be called.

   Claudine was a long time member of the McVeytown Presbyterian church where she served as a deacon, member of the church choir and her favorite participation was that of Sunday School teacher to the youngest members of the church.  She also enjoyed her time as a Girl Scout leader in the 1960’s, with camping duties at the Blue Juniata Girl Scout Camp along the Juniata River in Granville.

   A graduate of the McVeytown Area High School (MOHS), her love of music was expressed playing saxophone in the high school band. Later in life, Claudine again played with the McVeytown Community Band and thoroughly enjoyed Big Band music, both playing it and listening to it. Claudine and Gene enjoyed following the Big Band Sound of Huntingdon County at their local concerts.

   After graduation, Claudine worked at a factory in Ephrata, PA which made t-shirts for the soldiers during WWII. Upon returning to Mifflin County, she worked several years as a telephone switchboard operator for the Bell Telephone Company in Lewistown. There she met her future husband, Eugene, who was a Lewistown Borough Policeman.  After their marriage, she made her career as housewife and mother for the remainder of her life.

   One of Claudine’s most fun thing to do every week in the summer, was getting together with her friends Beatsie Grassmyer and BettyJane Piper, loading their kids in her black Ford station wagon, and heading to Whipple Dam State Park for the day.  Breakfast and supper were cooked up on her Coleman stove and served up to the lucky kids who traveled along. The day ended at dusk and a carload of tired kids returned home. 

   Claudine was one of Bratton Townships best bakers, especially known for her delicious pies.  You could always expect a sweet treat when dropping in to visit. If she knew someone needed some cheer, she was busy baking something special and delivering it with her well known friendly smile and a huge laugh that could make anyone smile.

   Growing up in Mattawana as a child and then into adulthood, Claudine had a wide circle of friends. In her last years living in her home, her neighbors were the best anyone could have. A well-deserved thanks goes out to Helen Passmore and Bernadette Heister, who helped her with those things that became harder for her to do herself. 

   As her mind retreated to the days of her youth, Claudine relived fun times with her friend and cousin Ottlie Morrison. She also told stories of shopping trips with Esther and Martha Lou as though they had just taken the bus that day to Lewistown for a day of shopping.

   Claudine resided at Valley View Haven for two years, where she developed friendships with the nurses and aides who lovingly cared for her. During the past year when the Covid pandemic prevented her family from personal visits, those nurses and aides in the 300 wing became her family. A big thank you goes out to those caretakers who cared for her as they would do for a member of their own family.  Another thank you to the staff of Hospice who served her needs in her final days.

   A private family service will be held at the convenience of the family.

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