PEORIA – Dorothy Palumbo-Imler, 85, passed away at 6:15 a.m., Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at Bel-wood Nursing Home. She was born August 13, 1926 to Fred and Goldie Burrell in Peoria. She was first married to John G. Palumbo who passed away in 1957. Later, she married Ronald Imler. He passed away in 2008.

In addition to her parents and spouses, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Helen Smith and Bernadine Urban; and two brothers, Clarence Burrell and Russell Burrell. In addition, she lost her beloved grandson, John Gavin Palumbo in 2010.

She is survived by her son, John Palumbo (Sandy), of Lacon and her daughter, Peggy Palumbo, of Peoria. Other survivors include a brother, Warren Burrell; two grandsons, Jason Palumbo of Indianapolis and Jeff Donald of Peoria; seven great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren and her special friends, Jacque and Bob Schrock.

Employed by the USDA lab for many years, she retired as a technician in 1984.

Of the Catholic faith, she was a long time member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

After working hard all her life, Dorothy became a resident of Bel-Wood Nursing Home. She loved living there. While able, she visited with infirm patients and lavished them with hugs, conversation and lollipops. Tending a garden, feeding the birds, participating at the activities center, playing cards, and attending Mass faithfully kept her busy. She constantly praised Bel-Wood for the care she received. The management, nurses and other staff treated her with respectful and loving care.

In lieu of flowers, it was Dorothy’s request for donations to be made to the Bel-Wood activities center.

A Funeral Service will be at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, April 20, 2012 at Resurrection Chapel with Franciscan Fathers officiating. Visitation will be 30 minutes prior to the service at the mausoleum. Wright & Salmon Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Entombment will follow the service in the mausoleum.

Tributes and condolences may be submitted to www.wrightandsalmon.com.