Marilyn R. Zimmerman

It is with sadness in our hearts that we report the passing of our beloved Marilyn R Zimmerman on September 28, 2024 at the age of 85. She was known to her family and friends as "Doz", a name that was given to her by a college sorority sister. Her husband, Larry, loved the name so much that he called her "Doz" for the rest of her life.

Marilyn is survived by her devoted husband of 62 years , Larry, two daughters, Kristin (David) Skidmore, and Karin (Stuart) Larkins, 4 grandchildren, Alexandra and Trey Skidmore, and Margaret and Charles Larkins. Her brother, Robert (Claudia) Kostur of Chicago also survives.

Marilyn is a graduate of John Marshall High School in Cleveland. She earned a BS Degree in nursing from Northwestern University and completed her RN at Wesley Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Following graduation, she taught Mother and Baby Care for the American Red Cross in Chicago. She worked as an office nurse at an Obstetrics and Gynecology group practice in Evanston, IL prior to moving to Cincinnati with her husband in 1965.

Marilyn was a devoted Christian. Her faith guided her in her daily living. She served as a Deacon at Wyoming Presbyterian Church as well as a volunteer in other activities at the church.

Marilyn took great pride in her family. When her daughters were growing up, she volunteered in many of their school activities. She delighted in spending time with them. She was a regular at soccer and hockey games, tennis and golf matches, and all activities in which her children and grandchildren participated. Visits from any of her grandchildren were the highlight of her day.

Marilyn had many interests in addition to her church, school, and family activities. Among them was her love of reading. She truly enjoyed her participation in 2 book clubs. She loved all sports, but was most enthusiastic about golf and football. She and Larry were Bengals season ticket holders for many years. Marilyn shared her husband's love of the Ohio State Buckeyes. They delighted in taking their children and grandchildren to many Buckeye football games. She was an accomplished golfer and really enjoyed carrying her husband to victory in the 1997 Kenwood Country Club Couples Club Championship. 

Marilyn was an excellent cook and received rave reviews for her dinner parties. She always tried to incorporate something special into every party that she hosted. It could be a special dessert, a unique favor, or a creative decoration that would make the occasion more fun and memorable for her guests.

Among her many talents was her package wrapping skill. She loved Christmas and spent countless hours making each package unique for the recipient. Her father-in-law would frequently comment that it was easy to spot the packages under the Christmas tree that were wrapped by Marilyn.

Marilyn volunteered at the Civic Garden Center and managed their gift shop for several years. She regularly commented on the flowers, trees, and shrubs that she would see as she traveled around the city. She could name just about any flower that she saw. Marilyn enjoyed caring for the flowers at her home, and experienced great pleasure from planting and maintaining her container gardens.

 Several years prior to her husband's retirement, Marilyn and Larry purchased a home in Naples FL. It fulfilled a lifelong dream of having a place on the water in a warm climate. They were fortunate to enjoy over 20 years together in Naples. During that time, multiple visits from family and friends were a source of much fun. 

Following her husband's retirement, Marilyn and Larry enjoyed traveling together and with friends. She especially loved their visits to many locations in Italy, and the time that they spent in the California wine country. Mediterranean cruises were a special treat that she loved. She commented that they were the most relaxing way to travel.

There will be no visitation, and funeral services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Presbyterian Church of Wyoming, 225 Wyoming Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45215 or The Ronald McDonald House, 341 Erkenbrecher Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45229.