June 23, 1923 – July 12, 2015

Natalie R. Palmowski, a longtime insurance underwriter and fashion model, died July 12 at Harris Hill Nursing Facility in Clarence. She was 92.

Mrs. Palmowski, the former Natalie R. Szczukowski, graduated from Depew High School in less than three years. She attended the University of Buffalo and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and anthropology in 1944.

She was president of the Newman Club at the University of Buffalo, longtime president of the Black Rock Women’s Republican Club in the 1950s, and also was a member of the St. John Newman Guild.

She went on to become a fashion model for a year from 1949-1950, and was one of the first models to appear on television.

After a year of modeling, she began working as an insurance underwriter and did so for more than 20 years.

She was a classic pianist, and also could play banjo and guitar. Mrs. Palmowski was fluent in four languages.

Her husband was the late Raymond F. Palmowski.  Their late son, Brian Joseph Palmowski, finally is joined by both his parents now.

Survivors include four sons, Raymond F. Jr., Ronald S., Mark L. and Gary M.; two sisters, Joan Schwob Sr. and Carol Szczukowski; and five grandchildren.

She left behind many friends, two of whom are Emilia & Salvatore Rutigliano, sister & brother from NYC....treated as family by her.  

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Thursday in St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Kenmore.