Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

St. Jerome Catholic Church

Gate of Heaven Cemetery

Danna Thomas-Palmer, 74, died on April 25, 2022 surrounded by her loving children in York, PA, where she had lived for the last three years. She previously lived in Bel Air and Hyattsville, MD. Born on February 23, 1948 in Frostburg, MD, Danna grew up in the Washington, D.C. area in Forestville, MD. Through her life, she was a faithful parishioner of Mount Calvary Catholic Church in Forestville, St. Jerome in Hyattsville, Holy Redeemer in Berwyn Heights and Church of the Nativity in Timonium. She was a proud graduate of St. Cecilia High School in Washington, DC and she worked exceptionally hard to earn her bachelor’s degree in Communications from The University of Maryland Global Campus after raising her three children. Professionally, she served as an executive assistant, working at the United States Capitol, The Catholic University of America, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and Catholic Relief Services. During the 1990s, she served as a city councilwoman for the City of Hyattsville. With a generous heart for helping others, she was also a court appointed special advocate for young people in need and a substitute teacher as well.

She was predeceased by her beloved parents, Daniel and Beatrice Thomas and her ex-husband, Jerry Palmer.

Danna is survived by her sisters, Maureen Miller of Chapin, SC and Sandra (John) Martin of Bridgeville, DE; her children, Jeff (Arissa) Palmer of Orange, CA, Matt (Cassandra) Palmer of Catonsville, MD and Elizabeth (Matt) Szymanik of Loganville, PA; 11 gloriously beautiful grandchildren who delighted her and her dear nieces and nephews, who knew her as Kaye Kaye. Danna loved her family and friends and they were sources of comfort throughout her final days. Her children are deeply appreciative of the staff of Rest Haven-York Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, who took care of Danna with patience and love.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Jerome Catholic Church, 5205 43rd Ave, Hyattsville, MD 20781 at 10 a.m. on July 20 with a gathering in the Gold Room to follow. All are invited.

A 1 p.m. burial at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 13801 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20906 will be held after. All are invited.


Danna Thomas- Palmer

Danna Thomas- Palmer

Danna Thomas- Palmer Services

Mass of Christian Burial

Interment