Obituary of Donna Zimmer

Donna Mae Zimmer of Daysland passed away on Sunday, December 8, 2013 at the age of 66 years. Donna was born May 31, 1947 in Hardisty, Alberta to Amelia and Gordon Homan. She grew up north of Amisk on the family farm with older sister, Elaine, and younger brothers, Rick and Daryl. Donna always loved a gathering of friends and family. She lived for times spent together with food and fun and activity and most importantly, laughter! She attended Amisk School for Grades 1-9 and Hughenden School for Grades 10-12. After graduating Grade 12 in 1965, Donna took two years of Education at the University of Alberta. She started her teaching career in Heisler in 1967 but after two years found herself teaching in Daysland where she met and married Gordie Zimmer on August 29, 1970. They had three children. Lisa Corinne arrived on February 22, 1971. Jeffrey Gordon was born on March 5, 1973. Bryan James followed on November 13, 1976. Around 1982-1983 Donna decided she wanted to go back to university to complete the last two years of her Bachelor of Education degree. She never lost her drive for lifelong learning in all forms and was an amazing example for her children. That need to keep learning served Donna well when in 1984 Gordie lost his arm in a farm accident. She was there to support him throughout the rehab and adjustment process. Donna never quit on anyone who needed her support, her drive, her love. In July of 1996 she journeyed to Kwang-ju, South Korea to teach English as a second language. Donna loved this year of teaching and exploration. But in 1997, Donna needed to tap into being the rock for her family once again when Gordie was diagnosed with colon cancer. Donna always filled her time with a multitude of activities. She spent her time quilting and sewing. She also loved curling, photography, crocheting, and, of course, playing cards. Donna filled her career in the classroom. But she also chose to train in St. John Ambulance First Aid and CPR. She even advanced to be an Instructor Trainer because her talent to teach was immeasurable. When she "retired" from teaching Donna worked in drug stores in Daysland and Killam. She devoted herself to the Legion, the Spring Lake CWL, and the Daysland UCW. She volunteered with Presbytery to help her church and was Secretary in church offices. Her faith was powerful and she loved to sing with her church choir. Donna also loved the farming life. She loved to garden both inside and out. And always had canning, pickles, and preserves to share with everyone. She was a woman who loved to be in the kitchen preparing meals with love. But her sweet tooth made baking and candies her favourite art form. Donna wove her influence into the lives of all she met. She was an inspiration, a comfort, and a source of great joy and humour. Donna Mae Zimmer was a truly beautiful person in the deepest sense of the word. She will always be cherished! She will be remembered by her husband Gordon; her children Lisa Zimmer (Rob McGonigal) of Edmonton, Jeffrey (Denelle) of Red Deer, Bryan (Lee-Ann) of Daysland; six grandchildren; her brother Daryl (Susan) Homan of Sylvan Lake; sister Elaine (Howard) McMullen of Red Deer. Donna was predeceased by her brother Richard (Mary) Homan of Amisk. A funeral service was held on Friday, December 13, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. from Our Lady of The Prairies Roman Catholic Church Daysland with Rev. Jope Langejans officiating. Interment has taken place in the Spring Lake Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to The Heart & Stroke Foundation or the charity of one's choice.