Wanda A. (Nagorka) Rudat-Palmer

Wanda A. (Nagorka) Rudat-Palmer, 96, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Baystate Medical Center, Springfield.  She was born on January 17, 1930, in Westfield, to the late Alexander and Wladislawa (Piekarska) Nagorka.  Wanda attended local schools and graduated from Westfield High School in 1948. She worked for 18 years at Robinson Reminder in Westfield as an Assistant Supervisor before retiring in 1978.  Following her retirement, Wanda devoted her time to raising her children and caring for her grandchildren.  She also spent many years preparing breakfast and lunch for the farmhands on her husband “Sam” Palmer’s farm on Pochassic Road.  She always had a favorite doggie friend, and her last buddy, Autumn, will be missing her.

Wanda is a longtime member of St. Joseph’s Church in Westfield.  She found joy in cooking many great holiday meals and dessert specialties for and with her friends and family, knitting and ceramics, and she is remembered for her creativity, devotion to family, and her gentle, noble spirit.

Wanda’s family has always been at the center of her life and heart, and she leaves behind many cherished memories for all of us that knew her.  She is survived by her children; Ronald A. Rudat and his wife Virginia of Attleboro, Jane Dobrowski and her husband Richard of South Hadley, Donna Yetton and her husband Curtis of Westfield, and her stepson, Terry Palmer and his family of Westfield.  She also leaves her beloved grandchildren, Tristan Rudat, James Rudat, Richard Dobrowski, Melanie Reidy, Justin Nelson, Christopher Nelson, Nathan Yetton, and Amanda Duncan, as well as eleven great-grandchildren.  Wanda is predeceased by her husband, Earl R. Palmer; her first husband, Donald C. Rudat and her daughter, Laurie Nelson.

Though we mourn the loss, we give thanks for the gift of her life and joy she brought us. Wanda will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who knew her.

A service to honor and celebrate Wanda’s life will be private and held at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Wanda’s name may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society. www.firtionadams.com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.