Ruth "Billie" (Read) Palmer, of Mystic, died on Tues., Oct. 3, 2017.
Always known as Billie, she was born in Pawtucket, R.I., on Jan. 13, 1920, the youngest child of Albert Manton Read and Ruth (Bucklin) Read. Billie was a graduate of Pawtucket High School, and later Katharine Gibbs School in Providence, R.I., where she mastered secretarial skills. She met Louis Babcock Palmer, a Stonington native, and was married in New York City on Sept. 28, 1946. Shortly after, she accepted a job as executive secretary with NBC in Manhattan, where she remained until the early 1950s. Around this time, Billie and Louis began dividing their time between the city and Mason's Island. She continued her profession until 1971, at which time they moved to Mason's Island full-time.
Billie was a lifelong athlete, excelling in small boat sailing, which began during her childhood summers in Nantucket, and continuing until her late 80s. She enjoyed tennis and bocce at the Mason's Island Yacht Club and in Florida, where she wintered for many years. She took up the game of golf at the age of 75 and was proud of her two holes-in-one. She also enjoyed needlework of all kinds and valued the time she shared with her fellow stitchers.
Contributions to her community were numerous. She was involved in the restoration of the Mystic Depot and led the capital campaign for the current Mystic River Ambulance building. For many years, she volunteered at Mystic Seaport, Child and Family Services, Westerly Hospital, Denison Pequot Nature Center, and Mystic Museum of Art. She also served as rear commodore at the Mason's Island Yacht Club and was a familiar presence on various race committees in the area.
Predeceased in 1990 by her husband, she is survived by her daughter, Cynthia Read Palmer of Mystic. She enjoyed special relationships with her many nieces and nephews and their extended families. Billie will be remembered with great love and affection by all who knew her for her warmth, grace, sense of humor and practicality.
She is predeceased by her siblings, Charlotte Phillips Kerr, Mary Elizabeth Matteson and Charles Otis Read.
Friends are welcome to join in celebrating Billie's life at 3 p.m., Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, at Mason's Island Yacht Club. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to benefit the Community Sailing Center at Mystic Seaport, P.O. Box 6000, Mystic, CT 06355.