Huntington Mourns Loss of Librarian Christine Palmer
Even when she was in substantial pain, Christine Amodeo Palmer summoned the strength to smile and laugh for her students and colleagues. The Huntington School District librarian was a fighter and she battled breast cancer with everything she had before passing away on June 13. She was 41.
A 1991 graduate of John H. Glenn High School, Mrs. Palmer earned a BA in English at SUNY Oswego in 1995 and a Master of Library Science at SUNY Albany in 2000. She also obtained a professional certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages in 2004 and had engaged in substantial post-graduate studies.
Mrs. Palmer came to Huntington in 1998 when she was hired as a teacher aide. She returned as a substitute librarian in March 2001 and was appointed to a full time position at Woodhull School in September 2001. She later split time between Flower Hill and Washington Primary Schools.
“Christine was a wonderful woman, a great librarian and a true friend to so many of us,” Washington School Principal Marsha Neville said.
“Christine was always smiling, always positive and always the consummate professional,” said Maryann Daly, SEARCH program chairperson-teacher. “Her love for literature, reading and her children were apparent when you walked into her library classes. She ran a tight ship, expected a lot from her students and gave more back to each and every one of those lucky enough to have her as a teacher.”
Mrs. Palmer’s mother, Jacqueline Amodeo worked in the district as a special education case aide for 15 years. Many still remember her for the dedication she displayed to her students and her devilish sense of humor and fun loving ways.
Always interested in how she could improve the library experience for her students, Mrs. Palmer secured a Huntington Foundation Star grant in the amount of $11,400 in 2007. Science Connections provided monies to acquire two polycoms and lab sessions for fifth and sixth graders via videoconferencing with New York Hall of Science instructors. It was state of the art stuff and could be intimidating for a person unfamiliar with this type of technology.
Mrs. Palmer eagerly accepted the virtual challenge and delivered pre and post lessons to every Woodhull fifth and sixth grader. “Everyone marveled during these labs when she used the polycoms to connect with the instructor at the New York Hall of Science,” Mrs. Daly said. “These classes are still fondly remembered by students who are now in twelfth grade. Without her technological know-how and her willingness to take on this new and challenging responsibility, these valuable math and science lessons would not have been able to take place. This is just one example of how technologically advanced Christine was, well before the rest of us began integrating technology into our lessons.”
While faculty members knew that Mrs. Palmer’s condition was extremely serious, they were nevertheless devastated to learn she had passed away. The veteran educator had a loyal group of faculty colleagues who are determined to keep her memory alive and who consider themselves blessed to have called her their close friend. “She will be sorely missed,” Huntington Superintendent James W. Polansky said.
Mrs. Palmer leaves behind her husband, Jim, a New York City police officer and her bright and beautiful 3½ year old son, RJ (short for Robert James), who she called her “little man.” She is also survived by her father Tom Amodeo, her brother Tommy, his wife and family and her sister Melissa, her husband and family. She was predeceased by her mother.
An educational fund to benefit Mrs. Palmer’s young son has been established at http://www.gofundme.com/gzceak.
Donations in Mrs. Palmer’s memory can be made to Little Shelter Animal Rescue and Adoption Center, 33 Warner Road, Huntington NY 11743.