Palmer honored as Woman of Wisdom

2025 Woman of Wisdom Terri Palmer is a multi-talented artist who has unstintingly shared her talent and her time for the benefit of Bonner County for the past 35 years. 

Born in Canada in 1947, Terri laughingly tells the story of how she almost flunked the test to become a United States citizen. Terri's family moved to Seattle when she was 9 and started the five-year journey to citizenship. When the judge asked 14-year-old Terri if she was willing to go to war and fight for the United States, she replied that she just did not think she could kill another person. Her outraged father asked for a recess and told her in no uncertain terms to tell the judge "yes." Terri finally gave in and told the judge she would fight but shared that she had both her fingers and her toes crossed when she said it.

Fortunately for our community, Terri became a U.S. citizen. She graduated from high school in Lynnwood, Wash., and attended community college to learn accounting. Terri was employed for 25 years with a Seattle company that owned a chain of men's clothing stores, working her way up to store manager positions where she honed her talent for design and organization. Terri and Bascom Palmer were married 45 years ago. The couple jointly raised their combined total of five children.

In 1990, Terri and Bascom embarked on a road trip to Flathead Lake in search of a place to eventually retire. Like so many before them, they drove across the Long Bridge and were captivated. They never made it to Flathead Lake. Instead, they bought 100 acres in the Selle Valley and moved their family to Bonner County. 

The move allowed Terri the freedom to unleash and nurture her remarkable creative talents. She joined the Bonner General Hospital Auxiliary where she was the visionary behind the creation of the hospital gift shop, which she managed for 10 years. She went on to design and establish the gift departments at both Sandpoint Super Drug and Petal Talk. She studied flower arranging with Nicole French, the owner of Petal Talk. She became both a master gardener and a master quilter. 

At age 70, Terri began taking art lessons with Sandpoint artist Tammy Zinke. With Tammy's guidance, she discovered not only does she love to paint, but she is also exceptionally good at it. Now 78, and far from retired, Terri works with Tammy, teaching art classes and selling art supplies at TZinke Art Studio and 7b Art Supplies.

Letters supporting Terri's selection as a Woman of Wisdom describe the beautiful tablescapes she creates for signature fundraisers for Better Together Animal Alliance and Panhandle Alliance for Education, the magnificent Christmas trees she designed every year for the Festival of Trees, her work with the Community Assistance League and the Pend Oreille Arts Council, and her years of service on the Kinderhaven Board. They detail the intricate quilts and beautiful paintings she creates and often donates. Terri says that working with the children at Kinderhaven and learning about the challenges they faced was life-changing for her. She discovered a passion for helping children. She now says teaching children how to express themselves through art is one of her greatest pleasures.

Terri Palmer is an inspiration to others in the way she uses her gifts for the benefit of her community. She is truly a woman who walks in beauty. 

A gala brunch honoring Palmer and her fellow recipients will take place June 14 at the Marigold Bistro in the Umpqua Bank Building, 414 Church St. The event begins at 11 a.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance as seating is limited. Contact Diane Stockton at 208-290-6362 or [email protected] to reserve your place at the celebration.