Anna M. Zimmerman

Anna M. Zimmerman age 105 of Metamora, Il, died peacefully on Tuesday, November 24, 2015, with her family at her side. Anna was born in the quiet farming community of Metamora on July 25, 1910, seven years before the United States entered World War I, to Andrew and Catherine (Waldschmidt) Ehringer. St. Mary's Grade School and Metamora High School provided education, while St. Mary's Catholic Church led her on her life long spiritual journey. Anna married Levi Zimmerman on Feb. 1, 1928 at St. Mary's Cathedral in Peoria, IL. He died on Dec. 30, 1972. Surviving are her sons, The late Gene (Doris) of Rockford, IL, Deacon Richard (Judith) of Peoria, James (Kathryn) of Angola, IN, Loren (Donna) of Peoria and Michael (Janeen) of Washington, IL. Grandchildren, Janine (Patrick) Cleary of Champaign, Rebecca Linares of Bloomington, Michele (Dennis) Doyle of Jacksonville, IL, Gene "Skip" Zimmerman of Champaign, Mary Lisa Zimmerman of Morton, Laurel (Steve) King of Bloomington, John Zimmerman of Bartonville, Kim (Brad) Mishler of Metamora, Lisa Cansino of Metamora, Karen (Kirk) Dunkelberger of Ft. Wayne IN, Maria (Tyler) Thompson of West Field, IN, Jed Zimmerman of Angola, IN, Janice (Chris) Lewis of Crystal Lake, IL, Susan (Paul) Flessner of Bainbridge Island, WA, David (Katie) Zimmerman of Seattle WA, Kerri (Matt) Machut of Evanston, IL, Kristen (Matt) Liggett of Chicago, and Troy Zimmerman of Washington. Forty one great grand children, and nineteen great great grandchildren. Anna had a deep faith and instilled that in her children who then passed that faith onto their children. Anna was the family prayer warrior and we always knew she was there for us. Preceding her in death were her parents, siblings, Lucilee Smith, Lela Streider, Elmer Ehringer, Mary Catherine Johnson, Gilbert "Gip" Ehringer and Richard Ehringer. One grandchild, Ann, great grandchildren, Ian, James and Charlotte. While raising her sons, Anna served at Mary's Church, its Altar and Rosary Society and the School. Anna had a strong work ethic and worked at the local canning factory. For Twenty years she lovingly served the Sister's of Saint Francis Noviatiate. While most people would be retiring, Anna had just begun her career at age 55 and retired at 75 years of age caring for the sisters. When the sisters in the infirmary would have a particularly rough day, Anna would tell them that she would go to the Chapel and pray for them. During her last months, she felt they were praying for her. Anna looked forward to the annual November Noviatiate sale sponsored by the sisters. She was able to enjoy two donuts from the sale this year. Anna loved her garden, growing fruits, vegetables and flowers. Until her eyesight failed, she also enjoyed quilting, embroidery, and sharing special reading selections shared by her granddaughters. Anna will be remembered for her famous fudge, chocolate chip cookies and her strawberry jello salad as well as her constant love for her family. The family would like to thank the private nurses who gave special care to Anna while she was at home and to the staff during her stay at Snyder Village A Funeral Mass will be at 11:00am Monday Nov. 30, 2015 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Metamora with Father Neri Greskoviak officiating. Recitation of the Rosary will be at 3:30pm Sunday Nov. 29th with visitation to follow from 4pm until 7pm at Mason Funeral Home Metamora Chapel. Additional visitation will be Monday from 9:30am until 10:30am at the funeral home. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery Metamora. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Mary's School and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Greater Illinois Chapter, P.O. Box 9206 Peoria Il. 61612. Online condolenes at www.masonfuneralhomes.com