Doris Zimmermann

Surrounded by her family, Doris Zimmermann died in Iowa City on Nov. 14, 2009, after a brief illness. Doris was born Doris Jaeger in Brooklyn, N.Y., on March 18, 1922, to Henry Jaeger and Rita Boehm Jaeger. She graduated from high school in Jackson Heights, N.Y., and attended Hofstra University. The defining part of her life began on Sept. 10, 1942, when she married “Zimmy” (Albert K.) Zimmermann, then a sergeant in the U.S. Army.

Doris' life centered around her beloved family and her many friends, some of whom she had known since childhood. Doris and Zimmy resided in Sea Cliff, N.Y., where they raised four sons. Richard resides in Iowa City with his wife, Nicole Sheldon, as does Jerry, along with his wife, Carolyn Brown. Andrew and his wife, Lesley, live in Great Neck, N.Y., and David and his wife, Patricia, live in Franklin, Mass. Although Doris was engaged in many civic and business activities, it was her role as mother that she cherished above all else.

A staunch Democrat, Doris was committed to equal rights for women and protecting the less fortunate. She served for several years as the president of her local chapter of ORT (Organization for Rehabilitation through Training), a charity dedicated to supporting education and vocational training for Jews around the world. For many years she owned and operated two women's clothing stores at a time when there were few women in business. She also mastered the art of rug-hooking while working with Glen Cove artist George Wells. In her later years, she was active in the Emma Goldman Clinic, the Lighthouse (a support group for the visually impaired) and in Bosom Buddies (a support group for breast cancer survivors). Doris loved dogs, and she and Zimmy bred collies and schnauzers for several of their years in Sea Cliff. She was also an excellent cook and an enthusiastic traveler.

After their children were grown and they retired, Doris and Zimmy moved to California to be close to her sister, Joan, and brother-in-law, Herb. They lived on the West Coast for two years before Zimmy died in 1977. Doris remained in California and returned to work in retail clothing.

In 1989, Doris moved to Iowa City to be closer to her two older sons and their families. A committed supporter of women's reproductive rights, she worked at the Emma Goldman Clinic as a patient advocate. Adamantly pro-choice, Doris often braved picket lines to defend the cause in which she so passionately believed. Once again, however, it was family that came first for Doris, and she played an important role in helping to raise her two youngest grandchildren.

Once again, to be near her sister and brother-in-law, Doris moved to Florida, where she resided in Delray Beach for eight years. She returned to Iowa City in July 2007, making her home at Oaknoll Retirement Community. She was thrilled to be reunited with her family and many old friends, and she also forged new relationships at Oaknoll. Doris was delighted to be surrounded by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and they loved getting to know “GG.”

Doris is survived by her four sons, seven grandchildren, three stepgrandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren; her sister and brother-in-law, Joan and Herb Grossman; and a large extended family.

Doris was a beloved mother and cherished grandmother, and will be missed by her family and friends. A memorial service to celebrate Doris' life will be held on a date to be announced.

Donations can be made to the Emma Goldman Clinic, the Lighthouse or a charity of choice.