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Shirley J. Zimmer passed into the arms of our Lord peacefully on Sunday, June 23, 2024. Shirley was born in 1927 in the northern woods of Michigan to Frederick and Anna Leeck. Like her 11 siblings, Shirley was born at home on the farm. It was there that her fascinating life story began. She attended school in a one room schoolhouse. She walked 5 miles every day, a fact that she would remind her tardy children of every time they missed the bus. She helped out on the farm and sometimes went with her mother to deliver ice and other farm products to neighbors by horse and buggy. She graduated from Alpena High School and attended the University of Michigan. She transferred to Henry Ford School of Nursing and became a Registered Nurse, an achievement she was most proud of. She married Frederick Zimmer in 1948. They resided outside of Detroit until 1963 when Haskins and Sells transferred Fred to Philadelphia. They then resided in Rosemont. Shirley was a beautiful and wonderful mother, a loving grandmother and great grandmother. She was also an expert cook, seamstress, Main Line Quilter, gracious hostess, and gardener. She served as President of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Council and Director of St. Paul’s Cemetery in Ardmore. Following her husband’s death in 1995, Shirley moved to Shannondell in Audubon while she also traveled the world. She is survived and lovingly remembered by her 3 children, Cheryl Luginbuhl, Fred Zimmer (Diane), and Michele Ball (Steve); her grandchildren Ryan Luginbuhl (Nicky), Ian Luginbuhl (Julia), Zachary Zimmer (Ally), Courtney Parkinson (Ed), Whitney Mooney (Chris); and her great grandchildren Vara, Rey, Ethan, Desmond, Ashley, Liza, Graham, Sophie, Lydia, and Elana. Family was the most important part of Mom’s 97 years. Her family will always hold precious memories of all she did for us and our many times together. Funeral services will be held on Friday July 12th at 11 AM in St. Andrews Lutheran Church, 2725 Egypt Road, Audubon, PA 19403. Burial will be at St. Paul’s Cemetery, 415 Athens Avenue, Ardmore, PA 19003. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Andrews Lutheran Church or Philabundance.

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Shirley J. Zimmer

March 16, 1927 - June 23, 2024