MARY PALMER Obituary

PALMER Mary Elizabeth Palmer "Beth" Beth Palmer, 67, a World Champion Bridge Player and an Administrative Judge in the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, died of breast cancer October 2, 2019 at her home in Chevy Chase, MD. She is survived by her husband of 27 years, William Covill Pettis; her daughter, Julie Elizabeth Pettis of Manhattan, NY; and three siblings, Julie Palmer of Brookline, MA, Jeff Palmer of Bloomington, IN, and Win Palmer of Sewickley, PA. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins, and friends. Beth's career with the EEOC spanned more than 30 years. As an Administrative Judge, she adjudicated hundreds of employment discrimination cases, finding monetary as well as equitable relief for federal employees who were subjected to unlawful discrimination in the workplace. She was an expert in class action adjudications. Beth was Chief Administrative Judge for the Commission's Baltimore Field Office and a sought-after speaker and trainer in the EEOC community. She was deeply respected by the Administrative Judges she supervised for her temperament, wisdom, and intellectual and legal acumen. Beth was a World Bridge Federation Grand Master and an American Contract Bridge League Grand Life Master. She won five women's team world championships, two women's pair world events, and 29 major U.S. women's team events. In addition, she won the 2018 World Mixed Team championship. She was active as a bridge volunteer locally, nationally, and internationally. She served on the Washington Bridge League Board of Directors for 10 years and played a leadership role in developing and implementing standards governing appropriate and ethical conduct at the bridge table. Beth's legions of friends, teammates, and competitors in the bridge world revered her as "a great friend, a great player, a great teammate, and a wonderful person," as "a tough opponent, but always a gracious one," as "unflaggingly compassionate," as "one of the nicest and smartest people in bridge," and as "one of the all-time class acts in bridge." Beth was devoted to her daughter, Julie. Among other activities in the early years, she served as Girl Scout leader and basketball coach. In recent years, she and Julie traveled widely, including a spectacular trip in July to Denali National Park, Alaska. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Komen Foundation at Susan G. Komen, 5005 LBJ Freeway, Suite 526, Dallas TX 75244. Please specify that the gift is for breast cancer research. A memorial service will be held on November 2, 2019 at 2 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rockville, 100 Welsh Park Drive, Rockville, MD 20850.

Published by The Washington Post on Oct. 6, 2019.
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Memories and Condolences
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One of the nicest and smartest people I ever met. The world will sorely miss her.

Arnie Frankel

November 22, 2019

To Beth's family. People that Beth knew very little personally were touched by how smart and kind she was. We are so sad over her not being on this earth any longer. Jack knew her along time ago when they were on the same softball team. I knew her because of bridge. She was the best.

Fran and Jack Price

November 7, 2019

I was so sorry to learn of her passing. I knew her from Grace Episcopal Day School where our daughters were friends. And I quickly became her friend - she was a sweet, supportive friend to all. I wish I had known about the service but I want to send sympathy and thoughts and prayers to her daughter Julie and her family and friends.

Maria Walczak

November 3, 2019

My condolences to Judge Palmer's family. May Judge Palmer Rest In Peace!

Carol Ashley-Siguenza

October 22, 2019

Praying for strength and comfort for Beth's husband, daughter and the rest of her family. I enjoyed my time with Beth and the rest of her family at the wedding of Matt and Nina in March. A beautiful lady inside and out.

Jodi Osborn

October 20, 2019

My deepest condolences. Beth will be missed.

Brunilda Brache

October 17, 2019

We were so saddened to hear this news. I hired Beth directly out of law school to work in my private practice general law practice. She worked with me for seven years as an associate and a partner. Her concentration was in Bunkruptcy Law. After her years in practice with me she went on to a stellar career as an Administrative Law Judge with the Federal Government.

I will always remember her stating to me early on that she thought that I was a great bridge player. It only took her a couple of years to outpace me in skill and accomplishments. Aside from her great accomplishments and the love and admiration of her skills and contributions by the Washington DC Bridge Community, she was universally liked and admired by those in my office as well as those with whom she cam in contact in the legal profession.

Linda and I send our prayers and deepest condolences to Julie and Bill.

Lyle Poe

October 8, 2019

Beth you were one of my best friends as we grew up together. I was so saddened when I heard of this news about you. I will always remember you and your family all my life. Prayers are with you and your family

Bonnie Neilson Spare Spare

October 7, 2019

May you Rest in Peace, Beth. You will be fondly missed.

Iris Flores

October 7, 2019

Beth, gone too soon! Fond memories of you will remain in our hearts forever. May you rest in peace. Love, Iris Flores (EEOC AJ_PDO)

Iris Flores

October 7, 2019

This is heartbreaking news. My deepest sympathy to Julie and her Dad. As Julie's kindergarten teacher, I got to know Beth well and always enjoyed talking with her and spending time with her family. She was positive, had a great sense of humor and was a devoted Mom and wife. I will be praying for your whole family.

Carrie Nicholson

October 6, 2019

As Julie's first grade teacher, I always enjoyed working with Beth. She was a kind, thoughtful, and supportive parent and a wonderful mom to Julie. She had a gentle spirit that will be missed.

April McDowell

October 6, 2019

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2

Memorial service

2:00 p.m.

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rockville

100 Welsh Park Drive, Rockville, DC 20071

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