Dot (Dorothy Anne Critchlow) Palmer passed away peacefully in her sleep the morning of January 16th, 2026 at the age of 85.
Dot was born in Gainsborough, Saskatchewan and raised on a farm in the Lyleton area. When she was 15, the family moved to Melita where she continued her schooling and later went to work at the Telephone Office.
Dot met her future husband Bill (William) at a barn dance following a softball tournament in Coulter, Manitoba. They dated for three years and were married in 1960.
Together, they raised four children: Michelle (Kevin) Amundson, Shannon (Patrick) Rieder, Danette (Chris) Donnelly and Christopher (Kimberly) Palmer. They spent the children’s growing years following sports, enjoying many camping adventures, and celebrating countless milestones.
Throughout their 65 years together, Bill and Dot celebrated the births, graduations, and weddings of their children, thirteen grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren (and counting).
Bill and Dot shared a deep and enduring love that was evident to everyone who knew them. They were true partners in life, supporting one another through every season, and their devotion, respect, and quiet strength were a constant source of inspiration to their children and grandchildren. For more than 25 years, they could often be seen walking hand in hand through the town of Souris, enjoying their time together, especially their walks across the Swinging Bridge. They cherished being part of the Souris community, and their marriage was a beautiful example of commitment, love, and family.
The family would also like to extend their sincere and heartfelt thanks to Dr. Cram for his exceptional care and dedication to Dot over many decades, as well as to the staff at the Souris Hospital. The compassion, kindness, and loving care shown to Dot in her final days brought great comfort to her and to her family and will always be remembered with deep gratitude.
A service to celebrate Dot’s life will be held at St. Paul’s United Church, Souris on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Private interment at a later date. In memory of Dot, donations may be made to the Souris Health Auxiliary Box 303 Souris, Manitoba R0K 2C0 or to Cancer Care Manitoba.
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Dot was are wonderful caring soul, who will be missed by all that knew and loved her. She gave us joy and laughter and will remain in our hearts. Condolences to Bill and the family as you move on without her. May she now rest in peace.
What a terrific lady Dot (Mrs. Palmer) was. I spent a lot of time in that house/yard during the school years and always have wonderful memories. She was always so kind to all of us. Condolences to Bill, Michelle, and the rest of the family.
I was so sorry to see this. She was such a great lady and such a great friend to Mom. The two of them are up there sitting on a deck and drinking wine.
We’re so sorry for your loss, Bill. We have lots of great memories from our childhood of times spent with you and Dot and your family. Thinking of you all,
Darwin, Treva and family, and Loralea
My deepest condolences on the passing of your Mom. Your house was always such a welcome home. Wishing that you find comfort in all the great memories you have
A life well lived. Condolences Bill, Michelle, Shannon, Danette and Chris. I well always remember your wife, mother as a caring compassionate person who brought joy to many.
Danette I am so sorry to hear of your Mum’s passing. She sounded like a wonderful lady. My deepest condolences to you and all your family.
Dear Bill and all generations of the Palmer family,
We’d like to express our sincere condolences on your loss. Dot was a dear friend who will be very much missed. She and Bill invited our family into their home and hearts. The memories of helping hands, milestones celebrated together, good fun and food shared and the loving kindness extended to us will be held with gratitude in our hearts. Rest in peace dear Dot.
Love Maggie, John and family
I’m so sorry to hear of Dots passing. She was a lovely lady and we will miss her.
Dot was a wonderful lady. We enjoyed our years as neighbours to her and Bill and missed the daily waves and visits over the hedge after they moved. She was always full of spunk and humour. Bill, you are one lucky man to have spent your life with her. Dot will be missed by many and thought of often.
Bill and family, We are so sorry to hear of Dear Dot’s passing. Wally & I have many fond memories of fun times visiting, playing cards, games, car rides, parties together, good food and fellowship over the years. Dot was always a happy, generous, fun-loving, smiling friend and we will miss her.
To the Palmer family. Dot was a beautiful person inside and out. Her welcoming smile was infectious. You will be missed. Rest in peace
Such a wonderful lady. Condolences to all.
I remember the Palmer reunions when we would come out from Kelowna to attend them. Aunt Dot’s love of her family and all that surrounded her was evident as she welcomed everyone around her, such a lovely lady ❤️. Sending you all hugs and thinking of you with lots of love.
Bill and Palmer family
Your wife/mother was always smiling and so welcoming. She will be missed. May her memories grant you some peace. So sorry we are unable to attend her funeral today but our thoughts are with you all.
The Donato’s
So very sorry to hear about the loss of our dear Aunt Dot. She was one of a kind; exuding joy, kindness and positivity. A truly special person who always treated us like ‘one of her own’. I will miss her big hugs (literally the best hugger) and the visits and stories about her kids and grandkids who she was so very proud of. Lots of love to you Uncle Bill and to the whole family at this sad time. Sara Palmer & family
We are saddened to hear of Dot’s passing. She was loved and admired by family and friends alike. We always took great joy watching Dot and Bill at hockey games. Their love for each other was so evident in all of their actions.
With love and wishes for many happy memories of a wonderful wife, mom, grandmother and friend.