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Elizabeth Zimmerman
Elizabeth Zimmerman
Obituary
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Elizabeth Zimmerman Obituary
Born on December 23, 1942, in Burton, Ohio, Betsy was a woman of intellect, warmth, and unwavering dedication to her family, friends, and students. She graduated from Hiram College, where she met the love of her life, Robert Zimmerman. The two married in 1965 and shared a lifetime of love and partnership until his passing on November 2, 2023.
A lifelong learner and passionate educator, Betsy earned her Master's degree in Social Work from Indiana University and later obtained a Master's in Education from Xavier University. She spent much of her career as a private tutor, eventually retiring in 2020 after years of devoted work with Xavier University's men's basketball team.
Beyond her career, Betsy was known for her adventurous spirit and active lifestyle. She was an avid cyclist, riding eight miles several times a week until her final year. She loved gardening, found joy in her book club, and was an enthusiastic racquetball player. She was surrounded by a devoted circle of friends who cherished her kindness, humor, and zest for life.
Betsy is survived by her loving sons, Rob (Shannon) and Tom along with her adored grandchildren: Shawn Zimmerman (son of Tom) and Olivia, Owen, and Anna Zimmerman (children of Rob & Shannon). She was preceded in death by her brother, Frank Samuel, and is survived by her younger sister, Jessica Nelson.
Her memory will be forever treasured by those who knew her, and her legacy of warmth, wisdom, and perseverance will live on in the many lives she touched.
A celebration of life will be held in the spring.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Carol Wuebbling
March 9, 2025
Betsy was a friend I met 30 years ago in Book Club. We became Writing buddies, meeting twice a month at Bruegger's Bagels to share our essays, short stories, and feelings. There were sometimes tears, other times outrageous laughter, but always honesty. Betsy was a rare being who never embellished the truth and brought a light to the darkness in our world. I will miss her very much.
Dean M. Zimmerman
March 5, 2025
Marci and I have so many fond memories of Betsy centered around get togethers in Hiram, Burton, and Cincinnati for family occasions and holidays. Her making of the Zimmerman family Scottish Short Bread was a favorite treat at Christmas.
Dean and Marci Zimmerman, in laws
Matthew Straus
March 5, 2025
Condolences from a Schroon Lake kid who liked to hang around with your extended family each summer at Woods Lodge. Rest in peace, may all your memories be blessings.
Matt Straus and family
Ted and Barb Zimmerman
March 3, 2025
What a treasure she was. Loved cooking and gardening and all her dogs. We had great times with our children and visiting each other. Our sincerest condolences to Rob, Tom Jessica and all the family.
Ted and Barb Zimmerman
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John Zimmerman
March 3, 2025
Pat and I enjoyed many travels with Betsy and my brother Bob. Mexico, Turkey, the Caribbean. Best trips were by small boat and bicycle on the Danube and island hopping in Croatia. We miss them both.
Dianne Cahill
March 1, 2025
I loved Betsy. She was a wonderful friend. I admired so much about her, not the least of which was her athleticism. I felt honored to share the court with her, as we did every Tuesday morning for many, many years.
She was one of the most authentic people I have ever known. She was so thoughtful. What a great brain! She was an original thinker, and we all benefited from her sharings at book club.
I appreciated, too, her love of her country and the efforts she made to preserve what was good about it.
We met almost 50 years ago at XU. She played racquetball every Monday at 4 o´clock with Father Hagerty and I played at the same time with a friend. I would see Betsy after the games in the locker room (and sometimes hear her singing in the shower!) We finally struck up conversation one day and decided to play with each other. Thank goodness we did! It led to several associations over many years. I will miss Betsy.
Dianne Cahill
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