Grace Ellen Zimmerman

On June 11th, together we embraced our mom, Grace Ellen Zimmerman, as she passed into heaven at the age of 81. With her smile and her generous heart she has touched so many people’s lives. We are grateful and blessed for all the love and guidance she has given us to help shape us into the people we are today. Many people shape our lives in so many ways but less than a handful make us who we are. So many wonderful memories that will be cherished in our hearts forever.   There is a saying we found that reminds us so much of the struggles our mom went through over the past several years. It reads: I don’t know how my story will end, but nowhere in my text will it ever read….I gave up. If you know our mom you know how true that is. She was GraceStrong. Mom was beyond a special woman, beyond a strong woman, her compassion and love for others will carry her incredible legacy on for generations. As a mother, sister, aunt, grandma, great grandma and friend she held a special place in her heart for everyone.   Grace was born in Iron Mountain, MI on Feb. 12, 1934 to the  late Robert and Lucille (Coffey) Murphy. Grace will be lovingly remembered by her children – Dave (Susan) Zimmerman of Big Bear City, CA, Karen Zimmerman of Traverse City, MI, John (Anne) Zimmerman of Grand Rapids, MI,  Sheri (Brenda) Zimmerman of Midland, MI and Dan (Jennifer) Zimmerman of Portland, MI;  grandchildren – Amber Levanger, Oona Breyer,  Arwen Jordan-Zimmerman, Jenica Greer, Joe Zimmerman, Jake Zimmerman, Katie Zimmerman, Michael Lambert, Jada Zimmerman and Olivia Zimmerman; five great grandchildren; and a brother – James Murphy of Monroe, TN. She is preceded in death by her son Bobby Zimmerman, mother Lucile Coffey-Murphy and father Robert Murphy, brother Robert Murphy, sister-in-law Patricia Murphy as well as her Aunt Grace and Uncle Harry Briney.   A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Weds., June 17, 10:30am, at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew, 215 Sheldon Blvd SE, Grand Rapids, MI, with Father John Geaney, CSP officiating. Visitation is from 9:00am until time of service at the church. Burial is on Thursday, 11:00am, at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to NorthWest Michigan Community Meals on Wheels, 457 River St., Manistee, MI 49660. Friends wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com