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Northeastern University

PAMELA ZIMMERMAN Obituary

ZIMMERMAN--Pamela, On Saturday, June 27, Pamela Zimmerman, loving wife of Gerald D. Cohen, devoted daughter of Frances Zimmerman and the late Carl Zimmerman, passed away at age 53. She leaves behind a brother, Robert (Mariela), niece Amy, and a legion of extended family and friends. Pamela was born and raised in New York and Teaneck, NJ. A devoted fan of Eric Clapton, she proudly called the Upper West Side her home for the past 25 years. Pamela obtained her B.A. from Northeastern University in 1989, and began her career at Information Builders (IBI). There, she came to know Gerald, its founder and CEO. The couple married in 1995. Pamela continued her career as a consultant at IBI to the present. She edited books by Foreign Service Officer Hal Vaughn, among others, writing about Coco Chanel, the American Hospital in Paris, and OSS exploits in North Africa. Pamela volunteered for several months at the World Trade Center immediately following the September 11 attacks. It is believed that her service there brought on the lung and brain cancers that took her life. A private service will be held in New Jersey.

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Published by New York Times on Jun. 28, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for PAMELA ZIMMERMAN

25 Entries

Gretchen

November 3, 2023

Northeastern University, 1984-1985, and a bit beyond. We'd not the easiest of friendships. But I do know this world is far poorer for her too-soon passing...and it was far too soon. Expound, and expect, in peace, Pam <3

Steve Waldman

June 22, 2022

It´s hard to believe she is gone 2 years already. I still think of her and Gerry often. Memories of them always bring a smile and then profound sadness of their absence. They were two people with beautiful souls that lived lives of integrity and inspiration. I miss my conversations with Pam. And I´ll always treasure our text exchanges that I´ll keep forever.

Nikki Stenson

June 22, 2022

Thinking of you today and always my friend xxx

Justin Rashbaum

April 13, 2021

She was an amazing woman. I used to call her when she was going through her treatments. She was always in great spirits as a patient of mine. I always remember her love of Eric Clapton and music in general. She will be missed.

Marc Koppelman

August 19, 2020

Pam was a unique individual. She was open, honest, witty, loyal & very intelligent. My interactions with Pam were mostly casual interactions in the office, company meetings & gatherings celebrating IBI's successes. I will never forget her insightful comments & humorous view of her life. My condolences to Gerry, whom I know will dearly miss Pam. She was his muse & gone too early.

Madelaine Koppelman

August 18, 2020

My path crossed with Pam many years ago and I felt an instant connection with her. Life got in the way and our friendship was not to be but I am not surprised to see that she was loved and appreciated by so many whilst she traveled the road that was her life. My deepest condolences to her husband, Gerry Cohen and to her mother.

Robert Wallman

July 9, 2020

Pam called some of her friends either "cupcake" and/or "pumpkin" -- the basis of this meditative birthday card I once drew for her.

Robert

July 4, 2020

Donna Vock

July 3, 2020

Pam came into my life as a client, but quickly became a friend. She touched me in a profound way, that is hard to put into words. I find myself rereading our text messages and private message exchanges over and over. Her honesty, humor and courage inspires me and Ill never forget her spirit and generously.. She was unique; the kind of woman who passes through my life ever so rarely. She was real. Ill miss her forever.

Marty Nelson

June 30, 2020

Pam was a wonderful soul who always had a kind word to say to everybody. She knew everyone's name and was never too busy to chat and catch up after long separations. She marched to her own beat and lived life fully during her short time with us. Pam was a hero; taking the risk while giving her time freely to help others during our country's tragedy. May the memories of her laughter and wit help ease the sorrow for Gerry, the Cohen and Zimmerman families, her IBI family and childhood friends around the globe.

Richard Schulman

Planted Trees

Jed Levin

June 29, 2020

I shared an office with Pam at IBI from 1989-1991. That was a wonderful time, and Im fortunate to have had such an intense dose of Pam. Im devastated to know thats all Ill ever get. As everyone will say, she had one of the sharpest, least censored minds Ive encountered. Thanks to the unique environment at IBI, those years made the transition from college-life to real-life a gradual change, and my relationship with Pam was like the best of college friendships. If Pam had written an autobiography I would read it from cover to cover right now, before doing anything else. I want to know more about Pam. I wanted more of Pam. Im very sad, but I know that sadness will eventually dissolve into gratefulness.

I am thinking of Gerry, Pams mother, the rest of her family and friends. Im so sorry that Pam has left us.

Joan Madison

June 29, 2020

I met Pam a countable number of times, but I liked her from the start and especially appreciated her wonderful wit. Over the years, thinking of her has always brought a smile to my face. Her much too early passing is very sad, but her legacy of inducing smiles and laughter will endure. My condolences to Gerry and all her family.

Susan Shenker

June 29, 2020

Pam such a beautiful kind person. I will remember her sprinkling kindness and humor along her short journey here. Her Memory will live on with all who loved her and all those she touched during her short time her. My thoughts and Prayers are with Gerry, Cohen family and Zimmerman family.
Susan Shenker
Information Builders

Steve Waldman

June 29, 2020

A 25 year friendship with Pam wasnt enough. I wanted more time with my beloved friend. The only things greater than her wit were her compassion and love for others. Im very sorry that she left us so soon. Me deepest condolences to Gerry and her mother Frances. I cant imagine the darkness left by her light being extinguished. While none of us will ever forget her, we are going to have to continue her fight to find effective treatments for cancer. I know I will be reminded of her by everyday beauty I see in the world. And I will try to act with the same compassion and love I saw in her. May her memory be a blessing. May you continue to find joy in the aspects of your lives that she shared with you.

Gayle C

June 29, 2020

A smart woman with a quick wit. I liked her very much. She told it like it was. I loved her no nonsense approach to life. She was taken too young. I send sincere condolences to Gerry and the rest of the two families.

Marty Nelson

Planted Trees

Simone Taylor

June 28, 2020

No one can prepare you for a loss; it comes like a swift wind. However, take comfort in knowing God is with you and your family lean on him in your time of need. Please accept my most heartfelt condolences.

Judith Bookbinder

Planted Trees

Julie Davis

June 28, 2020

Pam was a truly unique character with her incredible intelligence and the sharpest of wit, who was very generous, always thinking of others. I will treasure my memories of her.

Donna Vock

Planted Trees

Sarah Dowil Cook

June 28, 2020

RIP Pamela Zimmerman. David Cook and myself are truly heartbroken. Pam truly was one of the wittiest, humorous, generous, kindest human being on the planet. She will be greatly missed. Our condolences to Gerry and all the Cohen & Zimmerman families and all her many friends.

Nikki Stenson

June 28, 2020

Deeply saddened by the passing of a very special friend. Sending my heartfelt condolences to Gerry, the Cohen and Zimmerman families. I met and became good friends with Pam when I worked at IBI. I am so glad that I got to see Pam when I was in New York last September. I will never forget you my dear friend. Sleep well darling girl. Nikki

Roger Iddles

June 28, 2020

In my few years of knowing her I came to know Pamela as an intellectual with a love of the English language and a great sense of humour.
We met relatively few times but being a new boy in IB(UK) (1994-2000) her insight was very helpful(FOCUSed!).
I was privileged to be invited to an Upper West Side soiree to meet interesting friends of Pam and Gerry and where the love for her was clearly demonstrated.
My only commitment when travelling from UK to Head Office, was to take Pam a large box of Maltezers - a very English chocolate coated bonbon.
A dear lady, sadly missed.

Deborah Burton

June 28, 2020

Pam was a loving presence in the world, which is all any of us can hope for. Her courage and generosity after 9/11 cost her and us dearly. But I am grateful to have known her...for too short a time.

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