Luanne Jean Palmer

life story

Beloved wife, mother, and grandma

Luanne Salvatore Palmer was born on January 27, 1953, to Mary and Joseph Salvatore. Born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota, Luanne attended St. Cecilia’s grade school and went on to St. Paul Murray High School where she graduated in 1971. She began her college education at the University of Minnesota. When her sister, Mary, lost her battle with cancer, Luanne moved to California to help care for her nephews, without hesitation. She transferred from the U of M and continued her classes at UCLA. Luanne worked hard while still helping to raise her nephews, and received her bachelor’s degree in economics from UCLA in 1975.

Once back in Minnesota, She put her degree to good use in many ways, one of which was through her work for Hennepin County. She worked for the county for over 27 years, in numerous capacities, but concluding her career as the IT Supervisor at the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office. Once retired, Luanne lovingly cared for grandchildren Arya and Jasper until they began school. From there, Luanne began her “fun job,” serving the students in Big Lake, MN as a lunch lady at Independence Elementary STEM.

Luanne met the love of her life, Jack Palmer, and the two married on November 23, 1974. With their love for each other, Luanne and Jack raised their three children- Christy, Greg, and Beth. For over 51 years, the two built their life together, hosting card parties for family, traveling, taking daily walks through the neighborhood, and enjoying dinner dates with friends.

Luanne was a quiet, steady, gentle spirit whose positivity and resilience brought strength and comfort to those around her. She loved to cook and never let a guest leave on an empty stomach. An avid reader, she found joy in stories and learning. She also loved to travel with Jack and family, exploring numerous states and countries. Quilting brought her many cherished friendships and so much joy. She showed her love through quilt-making. She gifted people with warmth and care as they celebrated milestones, hardships, or just out of her pure love for the person receiving them. Those quilts now rest in the homes of the many people whose lives she wrapped in love.

Of all of the titles Luanne earned throughout her life, being Grandma was her greatest joy. She never missed an opportunity to support each of her grandchildren at a performance, game, or awards ceremony and was always availing herself to get them to their next adventure. She encouraged them all to work hard, and they each made her so proud.

After a hard fought battle with metastatic breast cancer, Luanne passed away peacefully in her home on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. True to who she was, she kept smiling until the very end. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Mary Ziel and Joanne Olson, and her brothers-in-law Brian Nichols and Richard Palmer.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband, Jack; daughters Christine (TJ) Paulson and Elizabeth (Andrew) Lee; son, Gregory (Jennifer) Palmer; grandchildren Alexander and Andrew Paulson, Peyton, Audrey, and Bennett Palmer, Arya and Jasper Lee; siblings Helen Nichols, John (Myrtle) Salvatore, Richard Salvatore, and numerous extended family and friends.

Funeral services for Luanne will be held on May 30, 2026, at The Church of St. Cecilia in St. Paul, Minnesota. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. A meal and gathering with family and friends will follow the service. All who knew and loved Luanne are warmly invited to attend and celebrate her life and memory.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Luanne’s honor to METAvivor, a nonprofit organization dedicated to research, advocacy, and support for those living with metastatic breast cancer.

memorial service

Funeral service

May 30, 2026

The Church of St. Cecilia 2357 Bayless Pl, St Paul, MN 55114, USA

Funeral services for Luanne will be held on May 30, 2026, at The Church of St. Cecilia in St. Paul, Minnesota. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. A meal and gathering with family and friends will follow the service. All who knew and loved Luanne are warmly invited to attend and celebrate her life and memory.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services