Carolyn Ann (Zeltman) Palomo

Carolyn Ann Palomo

February 2, 1948 -- April 12, 2026

Carolyn Ann Palomo (Zeltman), age 78, passed peacefully into the next phase of eternal life on April 12, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Roseville Memorial in Roseville, with Alejandro Santiago officiating. Visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Roselawn Cemetery for family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Open Arms Fellowship, 1555 Jackson Street, Saint Paul, in memory of Carolyn Palomo.

Carolyn was born on February 2, 1948, in Eldora, Iowa, to Everett Dale and Frances (Price) Zeltman. She graduated from Eldora High School in 1966 and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Studies in 1970 from North Central Bible College in Minneapolis.

During her college years, Carolyn was called to leadership at Jackson Street Assemblies of God Church. It was there that she met the love of her life, Salvador Palomo. They were united in marriage on June 20, 1970, and over the next few years, they welcomed two daughters into the world. Their first home was in West Saint Paul before they made Roseville their “forever home” in 1977. Together, they laid the foundation for a resilient and loving family. Carolyn and Salvador’s devotion and love for each other were an inspiring and rare example of true love—for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health.

Carolyn was practical but creative. Sewing was one of her many talents, and she is fondly remembered for all the gorgeous dresses and adorable outfits she made for her daughters and granddaughters. Other creations included quilts, costumes for Halloween and church plays, curtains, circle skirts, and countless alterations. She pieced together countless baby quilts and generously gave them with love to growing families. Among her most treasured creations was her daughter’s silk wedding dress, a work of love that will forever remain a part of her legacy.

Music was another gift, a thread prominently woven throughout Carolyn’s life. She played piano, organ, and accordion, but she was most known for her soaring soprano vocals—an instantly comforting voice that awed audiences and lifted spirits wherever she sang. It was with these gifts that she served in fellowship services from the time she was a child: she sang and played as a soloist, participated in various choirs, and led song services up until the last few months of her life.

Carolyn lived her life with a beautifully expansive heart. Guided by a spirit of openness, she met people exactly where they were, without pretense, embracing differences with warmth and sincerity. She was a natural peacemaker and brought a calming presence to those around her. Her way of life was grounded in fairness and in the uplifting way she cared for others. Her values gently stood out: steady in conviction, but never heavy-handed. Through her work in church and in everyday life, she made a lasting impact because her faith was a call to comfort rather than to condemn.

She found happiness in a simple life full of simple blessings: good food, conversation, and laughter with those she loved. Above all else, Carolyn’s life was anchored in her family, the place where her love found its fullest expression. Carolyn taught her daughters about goodness, humility, selflessness, and quiet strength not only through words but by her impeccable example of a mother’s love. Becoming a grandmother was her most treasured role, and she delighted in every moment spent with her grandchildren. They carry forward her legacy of genuine kindness and an open-hearted way of seeing the world.

Carolyn is survived by her devoted husband, Salvador Palomo; her two daughters, Ruth Paloma (Scott) and their sons, Kai and Kale, and Rachel Palomo and her daughters, Ava, Milla, and Evelyn; her sisters, Barbara Jo Bach (Randall) of Bella Vista, Arkansas, and Beverly Newton (Dave) of Arizona; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Everett Dale and Frances Zeltman, and her brother, Donald Zeltman.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.