CUYAHOGA FALLS — Judith Z. Zimmer died on Friday, Dec. 17, 2021, following an extended illness.
Celebrating her life are her children, Linda Leventhal (Mark) and Jon Zimmer (Johanna); her brother, John Zack (Kathy); her nine grandchildren, Corey, Julian, Tyler, Nicholas, Mark, Jackson, Laura, Katja and Maya; her newborn great-granddaughter, Margaret; her niece and nephew, Amy and Jonathan (Christine) Zack; along with many dear friends.
Judy was born at home in West Bellaire to John and Mary Zack on Jan. 13, 1934. She moved to Shadyside at age 2 and graduated from Shadyside High School as class valedictorian. She spent four glorious years at The Ohio State University living in the Mary Pomerene Alumnae Scholarship House. After graduation, she married and moved to Rochester, N.Y., where she taught elementary school. Subsequently, she returned to Columbus and taught in Upper Arlington before moving to Warren in 1959. Judy raised her family in Howland and spent the majority of her career teaching elementary grades for Howland Local Schools.
Judy was a member of Howland Community Church for many years. She belonged to the Warren Story League, Delta Kappa Gamma, American Association of University Women, Trumbull Retired Teachers Association and the Howland Schools Retirees. Judy enjoyed volunteer work in the areas of adult literacy, tax preparation for senior citizens and her church’s free lunch program. She was also active with the Red Cross and the Ohio Chautauqua Festival. Judy was passionate about travel, reading, handicrafts, ballroom and square dancing, as well as continuing education courses at Kent State at Trumbull.
Those who know Judy well know she couldn’t carry a tune, but she carried other things so well — kindness, loyalty, service to others, intellectual curiosity and a desire to make the world a better place.
Per Judy’s wishes, there will be no formal service. To honor Judy’s life, the family asks that you perform an act of kindness in remembrance of her. If you would like to make a donation in Judy’s name, please consider St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley or the American Red Cross.
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