Obituary of Phebe Palmer Bishop

Phebe Palmer Bishop, a longtime resident of Essex Fells, NJ and Avalon, NJ, peacefully passed away on Sunday, April 29, 2018 at home with her loving family by her side. She was 78 years old. Born in Glen Ridge, NJ she was the daughter of Solon and Jean (Hebbard) Palmer. Together with her two sisters, Susan and Frances, Phebe was raised in Montclair. When she met John "Jack" Bishop she asked him to a high school dance! That dance lasted for over 55 wonderful years! A faithful Christian, Phebe attended the United Methodist Church of Caldwell, and was an associate member of the Avalon United Methodist Church. She had been a member of First Presbyterian Church, Caldwell for many years. In addition to being a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Phebe loved her artwork, quilting and gardens. Her quilts won blue ribbons at the Wetlands Institute of Stone Harbor, NJ where for years she was a member of the Wetlands Quilters. Her Avalon garden became a showplace admired by many friends and neighbors. Her beautiful greeting cards were a blessing to the multitudes of people who received them and her home is adorned with several of her other artistic creations. Most of all, Phebe will be remembered for her kind, caring nature. She was a sincere friend to so many people. Surviving are her beloved husband, Jack; devoted daughters with their husbands, Susankelly and Bruce Thompson, Wendy and Nicholas Cotter; loving sister and husband, Susan and Rupert Hauser; cherished grandchildren, Samuel and Austin Thompson, Molly, Emma and Kate Cotter. In addition to her parents she was predeceased by her sister, Frances Hebbard Palmer. A Memorial service will be celebrated at the United Methodist Church of Caldwell, 8 Academy Road, Caldwell, NJ 07006 on Friday, May 11, 2018 at 11:00am, followed by a reception. The interment was private for the family at Mt. Hebron Cemetery in Upper Montclair, NJ. To extend a condolence or share a memory, please visit www.codeyjonesfh.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in Phebe's memory to Caldwell United Methodist Church or Mylestone Equine Rescue, 227 Still Valley Road, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865 (www.mylestone.org) would be deeply appreciated. "When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me'." - Erma Bombeck