Shirley Zimmerman

November 23, 1925 - March 31, 2020

Shirley Zimmerman, of St. Louis Park, peacefully passed away at the age of 94. She was married to Pete Zimmerman for 58 years until he passed in 2005. An author of 4 books, Shirley completed her Ph.D. in Social Work in 1977 and was a tenured professor at the U of M, teaching and writing on Family Policy. She retired in 2000. She was always curious and a committed life-long learner. She wasn't much for small talk or gossip but liked discussing important matters. She delighted in being part of the community. She was interested in politics and civic life. Until the end, she made her soft voice heard about social justice. Since marrying in 1947, she has made her home in St. Louis Park, first in an apartment on Kipling, then the house they built at 39th and Glenhurst in1951 until 2008, then moving to a condo at The Grand. She lived in the Parkshore community from May of 2018 until her passing. She loved meeting in the community room for coffee on Saturdays and happy hours on Fridays with her friends. She loved going to Guthrie and Orchestra Hall and to go down to Lake Harriet for concerts. Her heart was full of love for her children and grandchildren. Sunday dinners were always on the calendar. She blessed our life with hers. Little Shirley was admired and loved by many. Preceded in death by her parents, Rose and Harry Abrams; siblings, Russell (Sylvia) Schwartz, Ruth (Hymie) Berman, Leonard (Marie) Schwartz and her niece, Judy Goldfein. Survived by her children, Mike (Mary Grahek) Zimmerman, Dan (Irene) Zimmerman, Casey (Lonnie) Zimmerman and Julie (Marc) Berg; former daughter-in-law, Ellie Zimmerman; grandchildren, Rachel (Kasey) Saunders, Joel (Melissa) Zimmerman, Eli, Josh (Amy), Adam, Aaron, Charlie and Ben Berg; and great-grandchild, Ayla. Due to Covid-19, the funeral service will be virtual through Zoom and there will be no Shiva. Shirley would be thinking about people in need during this time. Donations in her honor would be welcomed at www.stepslp.org, www.jfcsmpls.org and to her beloved Temple Israel at www.templeisrael.com.