Lillie Mae Zimmer

Lillie Mae Zimmer was born Lillie Mae Cook on May 12, 1929 to Martin P. and Elizabeth R. Cook of Pewamo, Michigan. It was the year the stock market crashed, ushering in the troubled years of the Great Depression. The Cooks were among the many families who struggled to make ends meet. But growing up on a farm meant this family of seven children always had enough for their immediate needs. Lillie Mae was the third child, and early in life she learned to contribute to the wellbeing of her family.

By the time she was in 11th grade, Lillie Mae left school in Pewamo to go to work. She and her sister first took jobs in Detroit, where they lived with their older brother. Eventually both Lillie Mae and her sister found work in Grand Rapids and rented an apartment together. Working mostly in factories, Lillie Mae was part of a growing industry that sustained the United States during World War II and offered numerous jobs to returning service men and women.

Life in and around Grand Rapids offered Lillie Mae and her sister the opportunity to enjoy their leisure time. One of their favorite past times was square dancing. It was at one of these dances that Lillie Mae met a man who would become her husband, Robert Zimmer. After dating for a while, their love and commitment was sealed in marriage on November 11, 1963. They settled on Robert's farm, which he worked for a time before taking a job in the city. It was on that farm on Five Mile Road that they raised their only son, Daniel, who was born in 1967. Though Lillie Mae occasionally worked outside their home, her family was her first priority. At home, she was always there to care for her husband and son.

Membership with Holy Trinity Catholic Church was an important part of Lillie Mae's family life. With her passing, due to complications from a concussion, the church community surrounds the family with sympathy and care. Lillie Mae will be buried in Holy Trinity Cemetery, just across the street from where she and her family worshiped. Lillie Mae will be mourned and missed by those who knew and loved her dearly.

Mrs. Lillie Mae Zimmer, aged 77 of Comstock Park passed away Tuesday June 13, 2006. She was preceded in death by her brother Bob Cook. Survived are her husband of 42 years, Robert (Bob) Zimmer, her son Daniel Zimmer and fiancé Melissa Veeneman and her children Hailey, Zachary and Austin, her brothers and sisters-in-law: Dick and Jeanine Cook of Westphalia, Bruno and Mary Ann Cook of Fowler, Raymond Cook of Maple Rapids, her sisters and brother-in-law Mildred La Ponsie of Grand Rapids, Margie and Andy Luttig of Fowler, her sister-in-law Agnes Van Oeffelen of Comstock Park and several nieces and nephews. Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 11 A.M. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 1200 Alpine Church Rd. with Rev. Daniel DePew as celebrant. Interment will follow in Holy Trinity Cemetery. Mrs. Zimmer reposes at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. N.W. where relatives and friends may meet her family Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. and where the Rosary will be recited at 7:30 P.M. Mrs. Zimmer will also repose at the church Friday from 10 A.M. until the time of the funeral mass. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com for more information about Mrs. Zimmer or leave a memory or sign the on line register book.