Obituary of Jane W. Zimmerman

Jane W. Zimmerman was born in North Charleroi, PA on April 16, 1939 and raised in Monesson, PA. She was preceded in death on January 16, 2007 by her husband of 45 years, Robert K. Zimmerman and her parents Charles H. Williams, Jr. and Jane M. Williams. She is survived by her two children; Dr. Andrew Zimmerman and his wife Laura and daughter Laura Sogor and her husband Dani. She is also survived by her sister Suzy Broadhurst and her husband Jim of Ligonier and brother-in-law Dave Zimmerman and his wife Pat of Johnstown. She felt blessed to have four grandchildren; Nicole and Rachel Zimmerman; and Dylan and Mihaly Sogor.

After graduating from Monesson High School where she was the first Greyhound mascot, she attended Denison University. She then became the Director of the YWCA in Johnstown PA where she met her future husband. They were married on September 16th, 1961. They eventually settled with their family in State College.

Although she attended Denison, Jane was known as one of the largest and loudest supporters of Penn State. She was the Parade Chair for the 1982 and 1986 National Championship football teams; 2000-2003 Campaign Chair: Campaign for Penn State Public Broadcasting; 2001-2009 WPSU Board of Representatives Member; Chair, WPSU's Connoisseur's Dinner for many years; 2006 Chair, Penn State Women's Intercollegiate Athletics 25th Anniversary Celebration; 2007-2009 Campaign Chair for Outreach during For the Future: The Campaign for Penn State students; and Outreach Advisory Board Member.

In 2003 Jane was named Honorary Alumna of Penn State. She also received the 2005 Charles Lupton Volunteer Award from Development and Alumni Relations and in 2008 was named Penn State Fundraising Volunteer of the Year. In 2010 she was the recipient of the Fischer Award of Distinction.

In addition to her service at Penn State, Jane was also active in service to her community. She was Treasurer, State College YMCA Million Dollar campaign; Member, YMCA Advisory Committee; Board member, Centre Foundation; Trustee, Martha's Vineyard Preservation Trust.

Jane loved to entertain at her homes in Boalsburg and Martha's Vineyard. One of the most memorable was a reception for Mr. Fred Rogers. She spent her summers on Martha's Vineyard where she was famous for her annual 4th of July party.

Jane loved spending time with her grandchildren. She seldom missed the opportunity to attend their sporting events and concerts. One of her favorite pastimes was golfing. She won club championships at both Sunnehanna and Toftrees Country Clubs. When not volunteering she and her husband loved to travel, visiting six different continents.

The family would like to thank Carol Tower and the staff of Juniper Wellspring for the loving care she received.

Visitation will be held at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 South Atherton St. State College on Friday, April 21 from 1:00-3:00 and 5:00-8:00 pm.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 22 at the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center at 11:00 am followed by a graveside service at Boalsburg Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made in Jane's memory to Martha's Vineyard Preservation Trust, P.O. Box 5277, Edgartown MA,02539 or to the Jane W. and Robert K. Zimmerman Endowment in Support of Digital Programming at WPSU-TV. Gifts can be made online at www.raise.psu.edu/JaneZimmerman or mailed to WPSU, c/o Rob Butler, 223 Outreach Building, University Park, PA, 16802.