Obituary of Bertha Zimmermann

Bertha Y. Zimmermann, nee Yama, age 93, beloved mother of Jan E. Zimmermann (George Westbrook) of Rockport, ME, Barbara Z. Murphy (Steven) of Chicago, IL, and the late Brian P. Zimmermann of Manchester, MA, passed away in Rockland, Maine on June 24, 2015. Born March 13, 1922 in Bridgeport, CT to John and Mary Yama formally of Krakow, Poland, she was the youngest of nine siblings. She attended Laurelton Hall and went on to Arnold College (now University of Bridgeport) to receive her B.S. degree in Physical Education in 1944. During college she met her future husband Allan W. Zimmermann. They were married in 1945 while Allan was stationed in Florida in the United States Air Force. Bertha taught physical education in public schools in Connecticut and enjoyed coaching basketball. She was a camp counselor at Quinnipiac Day Camp for many summers. She left teaching in 1948 to raise her family in North Haven, CT. Married for 31 years until Allan’s passing in 1976, she lived in her home for 61 years and moved to Rockport, Maine in 2012. Bertha enjoyed participating in many sports especially bowling. She was an active member of the North Haven Senior Bowling League. She was an avid gardener. She loved spending time with her nine grandchildren including Natasha and Rebecca Westbrook of Rockport, ME. She is also survived by three great -grandchildren. She will be laid to rest in Saint Lawrence Cemetery in New Haven, CT. Funeral services are pending. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name can be made to the Friends of Rockport Library, P.O. Box 8, Rockport, ME 04856. Arrangements are under the care of Direct Cremation of Maine 182 Waldo Avenue, Belfast. Memories and condolences may be offered at www.directcremationofmaine.com.