Bertha Katharina "Christine" Palmer

Bertha Katharina “Christine” Palmer (Schmid), 90, passed away on November 24, 2022 at Prairie Lakes Health Campus.

Born in Lucerne, Switzerland on November 30, 1931 to Kandid and Marie (Birrer) Schmid, Bertha was one of 13 children.  Her career was in the hospitality industry in the mountains of St. Moritz, Switzerland working at two prestigious ski resort hotels.  In 1963, during a break from her work, she met her future husband, a handsome American man, on the ski slopes.  Two years later she married that man, W.C. “Dick” Palmer in Switzerland, then moved to Marshall, Michigan, where they lived for 48 years before moving to Fishers, Indiana in 2013.  It was difficult for her to leave her very close knit family to go abroad where she wasn’t as familiar with the language, but it comes as no surprise that she created a beautiful life in the states.  Bertha had a huge heart and was a cherished friend to all who knew her.

Bertha is survived by her daughter, Christine, son-in-law, Paul and her two beloved grandchildren, Mitchell and Mara Lorkowski.  Her grandchildren brought her so much joy.  She is also survived by two siblings and countless wonderful nieces and nephews, most of whom reside in Switzerland. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Dick Palmer and ten siblings.

A mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Louis de Montfort Catholic Church, 11441 Hague Rd, in Fishers on Friday, December 2 at 10:30 am with Father Thomas Haan officiating.  Visitation will begin at 9:30 am prior to the service in the church narthex. 

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959 (www.stjude.org).

Condolences:  www.randallroberts.com