Obituary of Marion Nichols Palm

Marion Palm born Marion Nichols, was born in Syracuse NY in 1948, her parents John and Frances Nichols. Marion left us January 24, 2021 at home in the company of her husband of 52 years, Rich Palm. Marion attended SUNY Oswego and came to California in 1969 to be with Rich, who was stationed in San Diego. Marion instantly fell in love with California and after a trip to Yosemite decided northern California would be her home for the future. Marion was working for a veterinarian as a tech when Daniel, her son, came into her life and from that moment her full time job and joy was being Daniel’s mother. For years Marion enjoyed back packing in the Sierras and car camping throughout California. Marion also enjoyed traveling around the U.S. exploring the Rocky Mountains and the deserts of the southwest. Marion also traveled extensively throughout Europe and trips to Africa and Japan. After Daniel graduated from college, Marion looked for another adventure and opened Zinnia’s Gift Boutique in Scotts Valley. Marion enjoyed working with the employees and greeting the customers, many of whom became dear friends. After selling the store Marion upped her travel schedule, not ready to give up camping she and Rich RV’ed throughout the west and Canada and took more trips abroad. Preceding Marion in death was her ‘big brother’ John Nichols, of Roswell GA. Marion is survived by her loving husband Rich Palm, of Santa Cruz CA and her son Daniel Palm, daughter-in-law Meagan Palm and their son, apple of her eye, Jack Palm, of Aptos CA. Marion is also survived by her sister-in-law Barbara Nichols, of Roswell GA and her sister Barbara Goode and brother-in-law Thomas Goode, of Hampstead NC and her brother Robert Nichols and sister-in-law Sandy Nichols, of Scotia NY and her sister Betty Nichols of Monroe Twp NJ and her brother Mark Nichols and sister-in-law Carol Ann Nichols, of Seneca SC and brother Richard Nichols and sister-in-law Debbie Nichols, of Crown Point IN. Marion is also survived by loved nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great- nephews. Donations may be made in her name to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz, www.thefoodbank.org.