Morris, NY - Audrey Loy Palmer Gregory, 89, of Morris, passed away after a short illness on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Audrey was born on October 1, 1936, daughter of the late LeRoy and Laura (Eldred) Palmer. On July 16, 1960, she married Dr. Peter Burnham Gregory at Zion Episcopal Church in Morris, NY.

A lifelong Otsego County resident, Audrey was aptly born in Welcome, NY, a portent of the spirit in which she would live the rest of her life: she welcomed simply everyone. Audrey graduated from Morris Central School in 1953, whereupon she entered the nursing program at Hartwick with a goal of traveling the world as a flight attendant. However, her aspirations were cut short by scarlet fever, and her life took a different path.

In her early adult life, Audrey worked as a shop girl at Bresee's Department Store, then became a telephone operator for Ma Bell. Following her marriage, Audrey became a partner in The Gatehouse Antiques in 1966, and through that business her lifelong devotion to historic preservation was ignited. She was deeply entrenched in her family history, passing on from her own father such brilliant witticisms as "Here's your hat, what's your hurry?", "Did you walk to school or carry your lunch?", and the Palmer family mantra, "Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without." At others, she snickered but did not repeat because they were inappropriate.

Audrey's interest in history, in particular antiques, was paralleled only by her lifelong love of travel. Although her ambition to travel independently was dashed, she and her husband Peter managed to visit more countries than can be counted on two hands. Their tours to Africa, Asia and countless American and European countries were a constant source of wonder and joy. Audrey and Peter also organized several family trips and vacations (never forgetting to include tours of historic homes for the edification of their children, and every historic church she could find for the edification of Peter's soul) and loved to share in this planning with friends who became family, Ted and Lois Hopkins.

Audrey dedicated herself to her community as a 4H leader, a member of the Butternut Valley Garden Club, and an active and enthusiastic member of Zion Episcopal Church. Through Zion, Audrey served on the vestry, as chair of the Building and Grounds committee for many years, as Sunday School Superintendent, as a member of the Altar Guild, as a leader of the Memorial Committee, and as a Food Pantry coordinator. She was an avid gardener, active not only in the Butternut Valley Garden Club, but as a well-respected judge and coordinator of Garden Club events throughout New York State.

Audrey loved nothing in the world as much as her friends and family, and delighted in every visitor who ever appeared at her doorstep. Having been born in Welcome, it was second nature to Audrey to help every person who crossed her path feel comfortable and appreciated. She was the quintessential hostess, with careful attention to every detail and careful thought for every guest. We are forever better for having been welcomed by her in every way.

Audrey was predeceased by her devoted husband Peter; her parents, LeRoy and Laura; her brother Fred; her son John; and her daughter-in-law Angela Hailey-Gregory. She is survived by her children Stacia (Gary) Norman of Morris and James (Maggie) Gregory of Oxford; her grandchildren, Galina and Roman Norman, Sara and Rowan Gregory, and Hannah Dorsey; and her great-grandson, Grayson Bard. She is also survived by her sister Sharon (Charles) Bosco of Morris and their children Mark, Pablo and Soraya; her brother James (Regina) Palmer of Hartwick, and their son Orion; her nieces and nephews Elissa, Brayton, Matthew, Briggin, and Lydia; and by her extended Hopmorehousenco family.

Calling hours will be held at the Johnston & Stanimer Funeral Home, 60 Broad Street, Morris on Monday, March 9 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Her funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 10 at 2:00 pm at Zion Episcopal Church, 158 E. Main St., Morris, NY 13808. Burial will be this spring at Hillington Cemetery in Morris.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Zion Episcopal Church Buildings and Grounds Fund, Morris, or the Morris Historical Society.

Audrey's family as entrusted her care to Edd Stanimer of the Johnston & Stanimer Funeral Home in Morris. Online condolences can be made by visiting www.johnstonfh.com.