Iona Elizabeth (Loomis) Zimmer
One very special woman slipped peacefully into eternal rest on Tuesday, May 14, 2019. Iona Elizabeth (Loomis) Zimmer was at the Lecom Senior Living Center for only 2 days when she slept through her last breath. Never have we known of any other mother who was so dedicated as Iona Zimmer. For 75 years, she took care of her handicapped daughter, Linda, and her handicapped son, Danny who will be 63 at the end of this month. Both children were born with mental deficiencies from a disease called Phenyketonuria (PKU). Iona would not consider putting her children into an institution. Linda has never been able to speak, dress herself, bathe herself or feed herself. Iona always took great care of and was very devoted to both Linda and Danny.
Iona was born in October of 1921 in Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania. Her parents, Gertrude (Guckes) and Joy Lee Loomis had 9 children. Iona is survived by her children, Linda ZImmer, Frank Zimmer and his wife Sherrie(Hull) Zimmer, and Daniel Zimmer. Her grandsons, Justin Zimmer, Matthew Zimmer and Iona's great granddaughter, Makayla Rose Zimmer also survive as well as Iona's brothers Robert Loomis and Thomas Loomis, and sisters June Zimmer and Nina Rose, and is survived by many nieces and nephews as well.
Iona was preceded in death by her husband, Lester Frank Zimmer, in June of 2003. Also preceding her in death were her only granddaughters, Stephanie and Kimberly Zimmer. Her brothers, Raymond Loomis and Richard Loomis and her sisters, Wilma Thompson and Mildred (Baldwin) Brozell passed away prior to Iona's demise.
Based on information that Iona wrote in her marriage certificate card, Iona met Lester Zimmer on January 13, 1940, and they were married on January 22, 1940. Linda was born in December of 1943, and shortly after, Lester went to Germany as a medic in the Army. Frank was born in September of 1951, and Danny came along in May of 1956.
Iona was a very hard worker all of her life. Back in the day, she would take in bushels of ironing for people to add to their income. She babysat for several families, and she also took a job cleaning rooms at the Rainbow Motel in Harborcreek, Pa. She always took great pride in her home and yard. She planted beautiful flower gardens and kept her yard and home in impeccable condition.
Iona was a founding member of Berean Bible Church. She steadfastly hosted and encouraged Bible studies in her home over many years. Iona hand copied the complete Bible from Genesis to Revelations. She rewrote the verses one by one in her own penmanship.
Iona will be cremated per her wishes and her ashes will be beside her husband at Erie County Memorial Gardens.
Friends and family are welcome to come to a brief memorial service which will be officiated by Iona's nephew, James Thompson. This service will take place at 2:00 pm on Saturday, May 25th, 2019 at the Berean Bible Church at 29th and Old French Road, Erie, Pa. Following the service, there will be fellowship time until 4:00 pm.