Diane Zimmer Heald

Diane Zimmer Heald of West Chester Diane Zimmer Heald, matriarch of her family, bravely passed away on Friday, November 6, 2015 at the Neighborhood Hospice of West Chester, at the age of 82. Diane was the daughter of the late Edward and Grace Halla Zimmer and lived all of her life in Chester County, but her favorite place was York Beach, Maine, where she spent most summers of her life. Diane is survived by her three sons Garth R. (Valerie), Edward M. (Julie) and Douglas Z. (Laura) and her beloved grandchildren Joshua (Lauren), Andrew, Natalie (Jon), Alix, Dorie, Arielle, Austin and Lucas Heald. She is also survived by her sister Lois Z. Pyle of Tuscaloosa, Alabama and her brother Rolf Zimmer of West Chester and many cherished nieces and nephews and cousins, her extended international family, and her dear Tim and Drew Doorey. Diane was predeceased by her sisters Enid Z. Snyder and recently Dorothy Z. Lucas. In addition to being an extraordinary dressmaker, Diane was very active in the West Chester Baptist Church where she served as president of the Women’s Group; Young at Heart; White Cross; Baptist Central Union board; Trustee; Sewing Circle; History Committee; Salvation Army; led Bell Choir; Mission Board; Sunday School teacher (for more than 50 years); and, choir member (for 75 years). Outside involvement included Needlework Guild and Meals on Wheels (25+ years). And she loved bowling, swimming and walking at the gym. Diane has donated her body to science but there will be a Celebration of Life service held at the West Chester Baptist Church, 221 South High Street, West Chester, PA on Sunday, December 6, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. Donations in Diane’s memory may be made to JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) or the West Chester Baptist Church.