Louise ZAMIARA

ZAMIARA, Louise (Simmons) Of North Easton, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at home, on January 14, 2025, after a battle with Glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor. She was 67. Despite the challenges of the past year, Louise faced her illness with courage, grace, and a positive spirit, creating cherished moments with her family and friends.

Louise was born to William and Alla Bell Simmons in Ridgewood, NJ and graduated from Ridgewood High School in 1975. She attended Stonehill College in Easton, where she met her husband, Mark Zamiara. Louise played softball at Stonehill and earned a BA in Child Development in 1979.

After living in Rockville, CO and Churchville, NY, Louise and Mark settled in Easton in 1993 to raise their daughters, Amy and Janet. Louise went on to earn two master's degrees and became an elementary school teacher. Known as "Mrs. Z" she worked as a reading specialist and beloved colleague in the Easton School System for 20 years, before retiring in 2016. Her principal, Chris Getchell, described her as embodying "humble generosity," highlighting the warmth, support and encouragement she provided to students and colleagues alike.

Louise's Easton home was a gathering place for family and friends, especially during the summer and Christmas, her favorite times of the year. She enjoyed walking around Stonehill's campus, taking day trips, shopping and dining out with friends. A gifted gardener, she found joy in tending to her plants.

Louise's family life was marked by deep love and tradition. She and her six siblings held an annual Simmons Cape Week on Cape Cod for 46 years, creating lasting memories. Her final Cape Week in August 2024 will be cherished forever. Louise was also an amazing listener and friend, always making others feel valued. She cherished her role as a mother, sister, nana and friend and her family was her greatest joy. Louise loved to travel, especially with her daughters and had special trips with them in recent years. Her grandchildren-Lilly, Jillian, Jackson and Jameson-were her light and she adored reading to them and guiding them through life's challenges.

Louise is survived by her husband, Mark; daughters, Amy Zamiara and Janet Zamiara Reddy (Jim); grandchildren, Lilly Martel, Jackson, Jillian and Jameson Reddy; her five brothers, Dr. William Simmons (Molly Clark, M.D.), Robert Simmons (Noel), Gregory Simmons (Linda), Chuck Simmons (Linda), Donald Simmons; sister, Janet Simmons (Karen Hayes); and extended family on Mark's side. She was predeceased by her parents, William and Alla Bell Simmons; and her brother, Andrew.

Visiting Hours will be held at Kane Funeral Home, 605 Washington St., SOUTH EATON, MA, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., on Tuesday, January 21, with a service at 1:30 p.m., at the Chapel of Mary on the Stonehill College campus. Burial will follow at South Easton Cemetery.

In honor of Louise, please consider sending flowers to someone you love, reading a book to a child, or taking your Nana out for ice cream.