Elaine S. Zimmer

Elaine S. Zimmer, 92, of Schenectady, passed away peacefully, with her family by her side, on September 16, 2021 at Ingersoll Place.

Born in Randolph NY, she is the daughter of the late George and Ruth (Oldro) Shannon. She lived on a farm with no running water and no electricity. The farm was a "sugar bush" and produced an annual crop of maple syrup to supplement the family income. Despite these simple roots, she was an excellent student and was the Valedictorian of her graduating class. Upon graduating, Elaine worked as a dietician in the W.C.A. Hospital in Jamestown, NY before enrolling in classes at Cornell University.

Elaine graduated from Cornell University. While earning her Bachelor's degree in Home Economics, she met her husband, "Bill", who also graduated from Cornell. She was an educator for more than two decades, teaching Home Economics at the Jr/Sr High and college levels. During this period of time she earned a Master's degree in education. Her teaching experiences also included many years as an elementary school teacher at Duanesburg Elementary School until she retired to pursue a full time Shaklee career.

During Elaine's long, fruitful life she was actively involved with her church, Guiding Eyes, Daughters of the American Revolution, gardening,the Cooperative Extension Service as a Master Gardener, Civic Orchestra as a cellist, City Mission of Schenectady, coordinator for fundraising dinners for Wycliff Bible Translators, Mayflower Society, Love Inc., JAARS, Pioneer Girls, support of various political candidates, hosting international students, Frosty Acres Campground, Shaklee distributor, organist and choir director.

Elaine and her lifelong partner, Bill, loved traveling and frequently went on driving vacations in the pick-up camper, motorhome, or fifth-wheel RV. Their travels covered all fifty states and most of the Canadian Provinces. They also enjoyed membership campgrounds and timeshares. They also went on a number of cruises and eventually visited five continents and many dozens of countries. Her love of traveling perhaps was spurred by their one-year long, around the country road trip that began shortly after their third wedding anniversary and just weeks after the birth of their youngest child!

Elaine is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, William, her son, Douglas and his wife Cherie Zimmer, of Costa Mesa, CA, her daughter, Charlotte and her husband Frank Palmeri, of Guilderland, five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to acknowledge the special support received from The Community Hospice and from the caring staff of Ingersoll Place, in Niskayuna, during this time.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 28th from 4pm-6pm, with a service at 6pm at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, Colonie, New York.

Interment will be private.

Memorials are suggested to the City Mission of Schenectady.

Masks are required in the building.

Click here to view Elaine's service