Ruth J. Zimmerman

1932 - 2024

Ruth J. Zimmerman

Keene, NH - Ruth J. (McNeill) Zimmerman 91, of Keene, NH, died on January 19, 2024, surrounded by her family.

Ruth was born on September 13, 1932, in Fitchburg, MA and was the daughter of the late William and Catherine McNeill.

Ruth graduated from Keene High School in 1950 and was employed as Executive Secretary to the President of Peerless Insurance Company until 1960, when she married the love of her life, Dr. William G. Zimmerman, Jr. ("Bill"), at St Bernard Church in Keene.

Through their 64 years of marriage, family was the cornerstone of life for Ruth and Bill. As such, they have enjoyed many large and active family gatherings, especially at their beach house in York Beach, Maine. Through the years, Ruth and Bill spent many exciting hours and days attending athletic contests, concerts, recitals, and plays in which their daughters and grandchildren participated.

Music was a very significant part of Ruth's life. She had a beautiful soprano voice, sang in the Keene High School Acapella Choir and in a very active high school trio. She was the soprano soloist at St Bernard's Church in Keene and, later, at St. Denis Church in Hanover, NH and St. Zepherin's Church in Wayland, MA.

Ruth enjoyed gardening and bird watching. Her bird feeders were an unending source of delight, even when they became prime battle stations between the birds and the squirrels.

Ruth was a very religious person, with a deep and consummate Catholic faith and a special devotion to Mother Mary, which guided her daily living and interactions with others.

Ruth is survived by Bill and their daughters: Joan and Peter Mattila of Yarmouth Port, MA; Judy and Michael Doherty of Hilton Head, SC; Kathy and Jim Bennett of So. Portland, ME; Mary Pat and Scott Parker of Sterling, MA; Theresa and Shawn Lillie of Stratham, NH, seventeen grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, a nephew and niece, and sister-in-law, Martha Zimmerman of Keene, and other extended family.

A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at 1:30pm in St. Bernard Catholic Church, 185 Main Street, Keene. Burial will follow the funeral mass in the St. Joseph Cemetery, Lower Main Street, Keene.

The Foley Funeral Home of Keene is entrusted with Mrs. Zimmerman's care. To offer online condolences to the family or to share special memories, please visit www.foleyfuneralhome.com.