Jane Zimmer Obituary

Zimmer, Jane Meek 71, born in Grosse Pointe, MI, died in Chicago Weiss Hospital Seasons Hospice on Wednesday, December 1, 2010 after years of stalwart living with severe COPD. A graduate of Loyola University and NIU's Master's Program in Public Health Nursing, Jane enjoyed a 40+ year career: first as Head Nurse in OB/GYN at Northwestern, then the Infant Welfare League, and then for decades with the Cook County Dept. of Public Health - first as Staff Nurse, then as Asst. Supervisor of Southwest District, and finally as Supervisor of West District Office. A quiet and generous philanthropist, Jane supported many worthy causes in world and local hunger, health and education, Catholic Charities, Planned Parenthood, US Olympics and the arts. Jane was an outstanding sailor and great nurturer of sailing crew: she raced several Chicago - Mackinac Races (2nd in LMYA Fleet in 1978!), joyously cruised all Lake Michigan many times, and continued to buoy-race for years with the Midwest Open Racing Fleet even after needing oxygen. When COPD stopped her sailing, she donated her beloved boat "EZ Lady" to the boys and girls of the Charlevoix, MI Sea Scout Program. For decades she loved and participated richly in her great books studies with the University of Chicago's Basic Program. She also treasured her travels to China, Ireland and Europe.Jane's parents were Stuart F. and Henrietta (Meldrum) Meek, both deceased. Her husband Gene pre-deceased her in 1982. She is survived by brother Stuart F. Meek (Joan) of Indio, CA; sister Susan M. Becker (Ross) of Shelby Township, MI; in-laws Dorothy Zimmer Fullem, Steve Traudt and Jeff Traudt (Nancy); nine nieces: Patty Meek Klass, Susan Meek Bothwell (Jim), Katherine Meek Wolf, Maribeth Meek Van Zandt (Chris), Susan Fullem Hayes, Laura Fullem Chavis (Anthony), and Alison, Lizzie and Molly Traudt; four nephews: James C. Becker (Kimberly), David Meek, Brian R. Becker and Jim Fullem (Sandi); and many great grand-nieces and nephews.Jane is also survived by her longtime partner Claudia (Muggs) Traudt, her spiritual foster children Donna Ulatowski and Cung Nguyen, and many deep friends in fellowship. A pre-Mass Visitation, Memorial Mass and reception will take place on Saturday, January 15, 2011 starting at 10am at St. Thomas the Apostle Church (5427 S. Kimbark) in Hyde Park.. In lieu of flowers, friends may make donations to Seasons Hospice at Weiss Hospital, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Illinois, the U of Chicago's Basic Program or the charity of their choice. For information, please contact: Cremation Society of Illinois, 773-281-5058 or www.cremation-society.com.