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Carmen Lucrecia "Lucy" Palomino
Jul 16, 1930 - Feb 13, 2020
Carmen Lucrecia Palomino was born Carmen Lucrecia Espinoza on July 16, 1930, in Loja, Ecuador. We all lovingly know her as Lucy. 

She was preceded in death by her mother (Lastenia Lima Flores), her brother (Enrique Lima), her sister-in-law (Irma Lima), and Gerardo Palomino, Sr.

She is survived in death by her brother Jacinto E. Lima, her 4 children [Bertha Rice (Bob), Monica Kirby, Jerry Palomino (Regina), and Lacha Palomino], her 8 grandchildren [Linda Banks (Wes), John Rice, Carmen Rice, Rob Rice, Marcus Kirby, Austin Kirby, Victoria Palomino Gosselaar (Enrico), and Danielle Palomino], and her 2 great-grandchildren (Zander Famous III and Eva Rivera). 

Lucy lived her life taking care of others - patients as a nurse’s assistant, raising her children, and always had an open-door policy for friends and family.  In her early years in Ecuador, she worked at a health clinic and met an American veterinarian who ultimately sponsored her trip to America along with her brother Ernie.  Her caring nature and her strong-willed personality provided her the courage to embark on what had to be a very scary adventure at the time.  Quite simply, she wanted a better life for herself and her family.  As fate would have it, the veterinarian had two gorillas, Nancy and Big Man.  Lucy was hired as their 24/7, primary caretaker.  She fondly told tales of the gorillas.  Mami’s eyes lit up, a smile would creep across her face, and the story would always end with a chuckle when she told of Nancy following her into the bathroom and never wanting to sleep.  She would say, “Nancy, vaya a la cama!  Nancy, get in bed!” 

Despite her caring nature and compassionate heart, Lucy was a bit feisty with a sassy streak.  She told a tale from her time in Ecuador.  We “heard” that she traveled to the Galápagos Islands.  She often spoke of the beauty of the island, and she was enchanted by the Galapagos turtles - so much so that she slipped one into her shirt after checking to be sure no one was looking.  She kept it as a pet for a while.  When it grew too big, it became a resident of the local zoo/animal farm in Loja.  A smile, a shrug of her shoulders, and her famous, contagious laugh…  More recently we have learned that the turtle was a gift to her from a patient she cared for in the maternity unit at the clinic in Ecuador.  And, we don’t believe she ever made it to the island.  To know Lucy, is to LOVE Lucy. 

In 1964 the family moved from their home in Westport to their current house in Overland Park, Kansas.  The house on 76 Terrace was truly a home.  Lucy welcomed everyone with open arms, and her love was unconditional - to her children, their spouses, her grandchildren, her pets (dogs, cats, pet rabbits, birds, and the occasional wild bunny that she found in the backyard), her friends, her children’s friends, and we cannot forget the random stranger that showed up at her house instead of the party up the street.   Lucy loved and will always be loved.  WE LOVE LUCY! 

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation in honor of Lucy Palomino.
 
The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International
By check:       800 Cherokee Ave SE
Atlanta, GA  30315
 
By Phone:  1-800-851-0203
 
On line:  gorillafund.org – follow the “donate” link (top right)
 
 
Alzheimer’s Association
By check:       PO Box 96011 
Washington, DC  20090-6011
 
By Phone:  1-800-272-3900
 
On line:  act.alz.org – follow the “donate” link (scroll to bottom left)
Send Condolences
Additional Service:
Visitation
Location:
Porter Funeral Home
Address:
8535 Monrovia
City:
Lenexa
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66215
Date of Service:
Feb 29, 2020
Time of Service:
9:30 am
Additional Information:

Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11:30 am at Porter Funeral Home, Lenexa, Kansas
Google Map:
Click Here to see Location on Map

Condolences

Kathy and Mark Lobner Feb 26, 2020

Friend of Regina Palomino ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in your time of sorrow. i know it is not much comfort, but just remember all the beautiful moments you got to spend with this beautiful soul here on earth. Her physical body may be gone, but her spirit will always remain around you. "She is not gone, she is just away".