Muriel E. Zimmerman

Zimmerman, Muriel E. COLONIE Muriel E. Zimmerman, 98, died at home on Thursday, September 25, 2014. Ms. Zimmerman was born in Lehman, Pa., to the late Frederick U. and Mabel E. Dana Zimmerman. She was raised in Lehman, lived and worked in New York City for more than 50 years, moving to Colonie in 2007 to be closer to her family. Ms. Zimmerman worked as an occupational therapist at New York University Medical Center, Rusk Institute. She was one of the pioneers of occupational therapy, developing and designing many of the devices and techniques still being utilized today. Ms. Zimmerman traveled worldwide setting up occupational therapy programs in numerous countries. Ms. Zimmerman often reminisced about her career, travels, family and friends; most important to her were family and friends. Ms. Zimmerman was predeceased by two sisters, Frances E. Ide and Jean E. Deans; one niece, Donna Fisher; and one nephew Dana Ide. She is survived by nieces and nephews, Patricia (Jerry) Minnis, Christine E. (Steve) Woodyard, John (Nancy) Deans and nephew-in-law, Lloyd Fisher. She is also survived by several great-nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be on Sunday, September 28, 2014, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Gleason Funeral Home, 730 Union St., Schenectady. A funeral service will be conducted immediately following the calling hours. Ms. Zimmerman's family wishes to thank Joe Francisconi, Tammy Cross, Sophy Mangual, Robin Nobel and Community Hospice of Albany for the kind and compassionate care they provided. Memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Albany, 445 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205.