Obituary of Sr. M. Margaret Ann Zimmerman, OSF

Sister M. Margaret Ann Zimmerman died peacefully at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home on April 28, 2022. She was 101 years old. Sister Margaret Ann was born in Hammond, Indiana, to the late Mary Margaret (Frye) and Albert John Zimmerman.  Her three brothers James Francis (Tiffin, Ohio), Rev. Albert J. Zimmerman (Diocese of Gary, Indiana), Rev. Thomas W. Zimmerman, CSC, who served as a missionary in Bangladesh, and her only sister, Jane Zimmerman, all preceded her in death. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Birdie Zimmerman, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and faithful friends.

Sister Margaret Ann’s home parish was St. Joseph in Hammond, Indiana, where she attended elementary school. She graduated from Catholic Central High School (Bishop Noll Institute) Hammond, Indiana. Sister Margaret Ann earned her BA from the College of St. Francis (University of St. Francis), Joliet, Illinois, in biology and music, and an MA in Franciscan Theology.

Sister Margaret Ann was gifted in music and for 24 years served as organist, choir director, and liturgist at St. Mary Church, Columbus, Ohio. She spent 7 years as instructor and supervisor at Marybrook Academy in Maumee, Illinois, committed to the instruction and care of at-risk young women. For nearly 20 years she ministered at Joliet Catholic Academy as a health officer, keeping student health records in accord with the Health Laws of the State of Illinois.  

As a resident of Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home, she continued her community service and enjoyed her hobbies. As Sister Margaret Ann experienced gradual loss of eyesight, she continued to share her gifts, especially touching the hearts of those who visited her, with joy and peace. She was a wise, gentle, and treasured member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate for 78 years.

Due to the restrictions of the COVID Virus, a Prayer and Committal Service for Sister Margaret Ann Zimmerman will be held on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel at Resurrection Cemetery, 200 W. Romeo Rd. Romeoville, IL 60446. All are invited to attend.

If you would like to make a donation in honor of Sister M. Margaret Ann Zimmerman or another Joliet Franciscan Sister, please send your memorial to the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, 1433 Essington Road, Joliet, IL, 60435.

For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute page at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.