TAMI ZIMMERMAN

1926 - 2015

Tami Ishida Zimmerman, 89, of El Paso, passed away peacefully August 23, 2015. She was born to Kanosuke and Seki Ishida on January 17, 1926 in Oichi Town, Toyama Prefecture, Japan. She was married to Jerry Reese Zimmerman on October 21, 1954 and became a naturalized citizen of the United States in 1960. Jerry and Tami were married for 58 years before his passing in 2012. Beginning with her training in pattern and dress making in Japan, she brought her expertise of custom design, specializing in formal wear and wedding gowns, to El Paso in 1958. As a devoted wife and mother, she raised her children while her husband was stationed here and abroad and started her business at home, later opening her shop, Fashions by Tami, in 1975, which she owned for 36 years with a loyal following of clients who adored her. A passionate lover of design, she began studying illustration at UTEP in her mid-fifties and furthered her studies, corresponding with Bunka Fashion College in Tokyo, where she graduated and received the Award for Excellence. In 1995 she received the Award of Recognition from the Japanese Ministry of Education and Culture. As a devoted Christian and member of the First Church of the Nazarene, she taught Sunday School for over 25 years. Within the El Paso Japanese community, she held regular women's bible studies at her home and shop. Always committed to helping others further their knowledge, she shared her native culture with her family, church and school communities and shared her love of fashion by voluntarily teaching countless young women how to sew. Tami is survived by her daughter, Suzi Zimmerman and by her son, John Zimmerman. She is also survived by her one brother, four sisters and their families in Japan. Tami was a woman of courage, creativity, passion, focus, charm and love who raised her children to understand what is most important in life. She will always be loved and missed. The family requests that donations be made either to the El Paso Alzheimer's Association or The First Church of the Nazarene. Visitation will be at 9:00 am and the Remembrance Service at 9:30 am Monday, August 31, 2015 at The First Church of the Nazarene. Committal Service will be held at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery, Monday, August 31, 2015 at 11:00 am.