06/17/2025
WINSTED - Michele Lee Palmer passed away surrounded by love and light. Born in Torrington, Connecticut, and raised in Winsted, she was known throughout the community for her warmth, strength, and genuine kindness.
For over 30 years, Michele worked at Sophia’s Pizza, where she was far more than a waitress — she was family. She had a remarkable gift for remembering customers' names, stories, and favorite meals, always making people feel welcome and cared for. In Winsted, she was also a regular at Donut Station, where she found comfort in spending time with friends and familiar faces. It was more than just a hangout — it was a place where she connected deeply with others and shared real conversations about life.
Michele faced life’s challenges with quiet strength and an open heart. She brought light into everyday moments and had a way of making others feel safe and seen. Whether she was spending time with her daughter or chatting with friends in town, she made people feel like they mattered.
She is survived by her longtime partner, Scott Beres; her daughter, Emma Beres; her mother, Linda Ives, and her mother’s partner, Kurt Madler; her father, Steve Palmer; her stepmother, Gail Palmer; her brothers, Stephen Palmer and Chris Palmer; her stepsisters, Sheila Woodworth, Stacy Davis, and Shonda Fordyce; her stepdaughter, Katelyn Palmer; and her grandfather, Sal Marino. She is also lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members who held a special place in her life.
Michele’s spirit lives on in the small town she loved, in the people she connected with, and in the quiet lessons she passed down to those who knew her best. She was deeply loved and will be missed in ways that words cannot fully hold.
Friends may call on Friday, June 20, 2025 at Montano-Shea Funeral Home, 922 Main Street, Winsted from 5 - 7 PM. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at Forest View Cemetery, Winsted at 11 AM. Visit an online guestbook at montano-shea.com.
