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Catherine Grace "Cat" Palmer, 80, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, at Hilltop Healthcare and Rehab home. She was born Oct. 21, 1946, in Altoona. She was the biological daughter of the late Fayetta M. "Sue" Kimmel. As a young child, Cat was adopted and raised by the late Paul T. and Margaret J. Irvin.
Cat was an amazing mother to daughters Brenda (Bret) Johnsonbaugh and Jennifer (Joe Robertson) Herr; grandmother to Nicole (Scott) Hileman, Ami (Ryan) Fether, Joseph Carper, Taylor (Jordan) Miller, Torance (Trevor Langenbacher) Herr and Jordan Johnsonbaugh; and great-grandmother to Camden and Owen Hileman, Bryson Fether, Charlotte and Emilia Carper, Van, Savannah and Drew Miller and Olivia Langenbacher.
She was preceded in death by her great-grandson, Joseph Alan "JAC" Carper II, and a brother, Robert "Bob" Heinbaugh.
Cat was a 1964 graduate of Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School and earned a full art scholarship to the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Her passion for art led her to Kansas, where she was an illustrator for Hallmark.
Cat was a larger-than-life personality and a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a familiar face at many social clubs throughout Blair County, including Newburg, Duncansville VFW, Catholic War Vets and the Buccinese. Cat had a fierce competitive spirit. She enjoyed playing softball, bowling, shooting pool, playing pinochle, bocce and any other activity she could turn into a competition. Throughout her life, she spent many years as a supporter of Bowl for Kids' Sake, raising thousands of dollars for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Cat also enjoyed spending time at Blair Senior Center, and she always looked forward to taking cruises. She created a lifetime of memories, accomplishments, friendships and stories. Her competitive spirit, strength and individuality will remain part of the legacy she leaves behind... a personality that big never really leaves… it becomes part of every story told about her.
Friends will be received from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, at Derman Funeral Home Inc., Tyrone. A Celebration of Life will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Newburg Fire Association.