ELISABETH ZIMMERMAN

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Elisabeth (Betty) Zimmerman of Emo, Ont., beloved wife of Michael Zimmerman, on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017 at Rainycrest Long-Term Care in Fort Frances, Ont.
Elisabeth was born on Dec. 14, 1929 in Diestedde, Germany.
As a child and young teenager, she was called upon to do much of the farm work, like milking cows, plowing with horses, and carrying 50-pound bags of potatoes. Following the war, she spent two winters at a school of Agriculture and Homemaking.
While working at a farm in 1951, she met Michael. Shortly afterward, he had an opportunity to come to Canada to the farm of Heinrich Holtmann in Rosser, Man. A year later, Elisabeth also came to Canada, alone and was met by Michael in Winnipeg, Man.
They became engaged shortly afterward and were married in St. Joseph’s R.C. Church in Winnipeg on Oct. 1, 1953.
They spent three-and-a-half years in Minnedosa, Man. before purchasing the farm in Emo in 1957. They spent the next 35 years on the farm before moving into a new home a mile from the original farm yard in 1992.
In 2004, they moved into Emo, where they enjoyed the company of many old friends and former neighbours. Since June, 2016, they have resided at Rainycrest in Fort Frances.
Elisabeth worked hard all her life, and together with Michael built a successful dairy farm. She could name each cow by name. She also enjoyed the time she spent beautifying the yard. Growing plants, whether in her home, in a large vegetable garden, and in many flower beds, were her specialty.
For years, she operated a small greenhouse behind the garage, where she spent many happy hours surrounded by plants.
She also enjoyed meeting neighbours when they came to purchase bedding plants.
Elisabeth was an active member of the St. Patrick’s C.W.L. in Emo. Each year, she would work hard to help plan the annual tea and bazaar. Her spare time was spent knitting mittens and socks for the craft table.
She also served as president of the organization for many years.
Additional projects were crocheting baby blankets for each of her new grandchildren or new additions to neighbour families, as well as sending many extra socks and mittens to northern missions.
One of the highlights for the family each year was the Emo Fair. Elisabeth and Michael began showing Holstein cattle in 1958, when the event was called the “Black and white show.” Cattle have been shown by the Zimmerman family every year since then and included their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Her best advice before showing 4-H cattle was always “keep one eye on the judge and one eye on your calf.”
Elisabeth also enjoyed the many hours spent serving on the Emo Fair board, later named the Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society. She loved to organize the flower show in the exhibition hall and for many years was director in charge of hall.
In 2012, Michael and Elisabeth were honoured as the “Feature Family” at the fair.
Elisabeth loved the brothers and sisters she left behind in Germany and returned often to visit them. After each visit, she would return with happy memories.
Each of her brothers and sisters have been to Canada to visit, and Michael and Elisabeth would enjoy showing them the beauty of their adopted country.
Elisabeth loved her children and grandchildren, and encouraged each of them to live their lives on their own terms and do what makes them happy. Her courage, inner strength, and independence were an example to all her children and grandchildren.
On Oct. 1, Michael and Elisabeth would have been married 64 years.
Besides Michael, Elisabeth is survived by six children, Theodore (Deb) Zimmerman of Emo, Ont., Elizabeth (Jonathon) Forrester of Emerson, Man., Peter (Dawn) of St. Paul, Mn.,Lucille (Gary) Wilson of Devlin, Ont., Mary (Doug) Hyatt of Burriss, Ont., and Bernie (Roseanne) Zimmerman of Emo, Ont.
She also is survived by her grandchildren, Laura, Linda, Sarah, Lisa, Brian, Curtis, Kevin, Michael, Amy, Matthew, Tina, Jeremy, Christina, Daniel, Joshua, Nathan, Rebecca, and Elijah; and seven great-grandchildren.
She also is survived by two daughters-in-law, Cynthia and Val; and by one sister and many nieces and nephews in Germany.
Elisabeth was predeceased by two sons, Henry and Karl; three brothers; and one sister.
Visitation will be held Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017 at 7 p.m. at the Northridge Funeral Home in Emo.
Funeral Mass will be held Monday, Sept. 25, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church in Emo.
If friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the St. Patrick’s Church Building fund c/o Northridge Funeral Home, P.O. Box 89, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.
Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com