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Ellen Zimmermann Obituary

ZIMMERMANN, ELLEN; died at her home in Sylvan Lake, Michigan on January 5, 2014 of a heart attack. She was born August 14, 1957 in Midland, Michigan. She attended Midland Public Schools and was graduated from Northwood University with a degree in accounting. Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, Marcella (Dereszynski) Zimmermann and Myron Paul Zimmermann. We will always chuckle at her sense of humor, wry comments which brought mirth to even the least funny situations. Ellen was talented and we will remember her handmade books, lovely quilts, drawings and imaginative assemblages. A voracious reader, she always had a particularly good book to suggest. From a young age she was a friend to animals who loved cats best of all. Her garden was her laboratory and great joy. Nothing pleased her more than planning her gardens each spring and planting new and interesting varieties of vegetables which she canned. Her family and friends enjoyed the home-canned bounty. Survivors include Sandra Lodge, her love; son, Ian (Dejana Perrone) Spiridigliozzi, of Flushing, New York and grandson Cameron North. Her brothers are Brian (Kathy) Zimmermann of Midland Michigan, Eric Zimmermann of Los Angeles, California and her sisters Margaret Zimmermann of Grand Rapids, Michigan and Kathryn (Robert) Mass of Midland, Michigan. She leaves seven special nieces and nephews and many close friends including Mitzi Forrest. Although flowers are welcome, the family wishes memorial contributions to be used for the education of her grandson, Cameron North. Arrangements are in the hands of Sawyer-Fuller Funeral Home, 2125 12 Mile, Berkley Michigan. Family will receive visitors there from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday January 11, 2014.

Published by The Oakland Press from Jan. 9 to Jan. 10, 2014.
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Memories and Condolences
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R.I.P Ellen. you have been such a support of all you helped. you will be missed. heaven got another angel.

ray cuppord

January 13, 2014

Ellen, I wish I had shared with you how much I appreciated your integrity, skill and knowledge in administering the city's Retirement Funds. I wish I had expressed how much I admired and respected the tenacity in which you carried out your duties. I wish I had shared this while you were able to hear and appreciate it. Hopefully your family will be comforted in knowing how many people respected, admired and relied on your expertise. Rest In Peace Dear Ellen. Rest in Peace.

Wisetta Neill

January 11, 2014

Sorry to hear about the loss of a dear friend that I have known for a long time. Even though our paths haven't crossed in a few years, she left a lasting impression. Always quick to laugh. Loved her stories! She certainly left this earth way too soon! Prayers to her loved ones.

Terri Wilson

January 11, 2014

Ellen's sense of humor and her dedication to her work at the City - that's what I will remember. May God bless her family and friends at this time.

Edith Kaminski

January 11, 2014

Ellen was my buddy through Jr. High at Northeast. We had lots of fun adventures, cracking up at the early days of Seseme Street after school. She was into gardening in those days too, only in different ways...that's between me and Ellen though! It may have involved a term for ratcoons..... Hugs to all her family friends, and especially the love of her life. Thinking of Ellen today,and always Sally Sanders

January 11, 2014

Ellen was a true professional. Sincere condolences to her immediate family. Ellen's extended family...Pontiac's retirees, will truly miss her

Mitch Foltz

January 11, 2014

Ellen was a good friend and coworker during all the years I worked at the City of Pontiac. I miss her bluntness and honesty. Most of all I missed her sense of humor. Rest well Ellen, you meant so much to so many.

Cheyla Germany

January 11, 2014

Truly a Friend from the first day I arrived at the City of Pontiac. I will always remember the chats and laughs. She will be missed.

Sandy-Michael McDonald

January 11, 2014

I had the honor of working with Ellen at the City of Pontiac. I can't count how many times I went to her office to vent on a daily basis about something that was going on. She always made me laugh and assured me that everything was going to be ok. Although we lost contact throughout these last couple of years, she has never left my thoughts. I am so sorry for your loss.

Cheyla Germany

January 11, 2014

It was a sunny day many years ago when a woman wandered up my driveway to peruse what was on offer at my garage sale. She found a 60s-modern hanging light and was delighted; the style was one of her passions. As it happened, she was looking for a home in our neighborhood--and I promptly told her that the house next door would be on the market soon, pointing my thumb over my shoulder. "Really?" She eyeballed it and grinned. And thus began my acquaintance with my new neighbor and friend. Her passions, I learned, were many, but the list was topped by Cameron, her quilting and designing, her cats, her friends and her work protecting Pontiac's retirees. I still value the meticulously hand-made holiday cards that arrived every year at Christmas.

It was a pleasure and an honor to know you, Ellen. You earned my highest respect for your honesty, decency and fierce defense of what was right, often at your own expense. May you rest in peace after leaving us far too soon.

Cheryl Crandell

January 11, 2014

My deepest sympathy to Ellen's friends and family. She treated City of Pontiac retirees with respect and kindness. We will miss her.

Claudia Filler

January 11, 2014

Ellen will be sorely missed from the Retirement Office. She was a truly blessing to our City of Pontiac family. She was a wonderful person to know and was very diligent in her duties, taking care of us city retirees. I'll miss seeing her, her laugh and her smile. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends.

Billie Swazer

January 11, 2014

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Gary Hudson

January 11, 2014

Thoughts and prayers to family

andrea north

January 11, 2014

To Ellen's family: May fond memories help you through this time of sorrow. Ellen and I were close friends in Jr High and High School. We had so much fun growing up together and experiening life with each other and with Ann St. Onge and Sally Sanders. All of us were bestest of friends. May you be peaceful in your gardens. Love, Jan

Jan Murphy

January 11, 2014

I had the pleasure of working with Ellen at the City of Pontiac. She dedicated herself to the equal treatment and rights of all retirees in the GERS and PF systems. May God bless her family.

Andrea Wright

January 10, 2014

My thoughts and prayers to Ellen's family and friends. So many fond and fun memories through junior high and high school with Ellen. RIP friend!

Paula Ciaramitaro Arthur

Paula Arthur

January 10, 2014

LN,
It's so hard to think of you not being around. You were the Sunshine for so many.
Sandra,Ian, and Cameron and family I am sorry for your loss.

Cindy Kemp

January 10, 2014

Ellen gave freely of her time and energies toward the betterment of the General Employees Retirement System. She was so proud of Cameron, and dedicated her life to his well being. She will be sorely missed.

Judy Storum

January 9, 2014

Ellen, a good friend and a wonderful co-worker. I will miss you. Ruth Davenport, 3060 Allen Road, Ortonville MI 48462

January 9, 2014

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