Gloria Mae Ingham Zimmerly passed away peacefully at her home early May 27, 2014, to the sound of her husband’s voice singing their love song. Born March 18, 1932, she and her siblings, Charlotte and Shirley and brother Duane (Bob), were raised by their maternal grandmother, Clara Miller in North East, PA. The need to make her own clothes fostered a love of sewing (and lace) that lasted her lifetime. She met Jack Zimmerly at North East High School when 
she was a sophomore and he a senior. They married November 28, 1950 at Saint Barnabas House in North East, during “the worst blizzard in fifty years”. She helped Jack through his undergraduate work and veterinary school, raising their children and working nights. She managed and assisted in the veterinary practice, even attending a surgery the same day her last child was born.
Gloria devoted her life to making a beautiful home and caring for her family, particularly her husband. In addition to raising her four children, she opened her home to exchange students, travelers, and friends. Coming home meant homemade blackberry pies resting in the cool oven and flowers on the table. She had a special affinity with animals. In addition to the many cats and dogs Jack rescued from his pet hospital, she raised chickens & ducks, an abandoned pot-belled pig, a baby wood chuck, and bottle-fed 2 leopard cubs in her home for the Erie Zoo.
Gloria worked in her church in the Altar Guild and as Treasurer. She was an officer in the Waterford Garden Club and an assistant Girl Scout leader. Unable to accept a math scholarship to college, she studied art, working in watercolors, fabric, and stained glass later in life. She filled her home with flowers she grew and bits of the outdoors she knew and loved. Her library featured books on Faberge eggs, Tiffany glass, and the Russian aristocracy.
She coaxed the first smile from all her grandchildren, who called her Toady, and enjoyed every moment with them. If you were a baby in Gloria’s life, every gurgle, step, and scribble was rewarded with happy baby talk. Gloria was patient and kind and loved to hear her family sing.
The family thanks the many dear friends who helped and comforted her, including Shirley, Diana, Andrea, Kimberly, Shelline, Angie, Barbara, Beth, Merle, and George.
In addition to her husband, Jack, survivors include four children– Dr. Jack W. Zimmerly Jr. and his wife Alice of DuBois, PA, and their children, David, Phillip, Stephen, and Joshua; Barbara Zimmerly Pionati and her husband Francis of Pittsburgh, and their son, Augustin; David Zimmerly and his wife Evelyn of Pittsburgh; and Elizabeth Weldon and her husband Pat of Waterford, and their children, Grace and James. Gloria also has five great-grandchildren; two sisters, Charlotte Loucks and Shirley Post, both of North East; and a brother, Duane Robert Ingham, also of North East. She was preceded in death by an infant grandson, Michael Zimmerly.
Friends may visit at the Van Matre Funeral Home, 105 Walnut Street, Waterford on Friday from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. and are invited to the funeral there Saturday morning at 11:00 a.m. officiated by Rev. William Shontz. Interment will follow at Waterford Cemetery (Old State Road).
What a beautiful tribute to a very kind woman. So sorry for your loss.
Sending our condolences,
Rich and Amy Eisenberg
What a beautiful lady, I feel truly honored to have come to know Miss Gloria, Dr Z and their wonderful family. I have been blessed more than words can say by the many hours spent in their home. My heart is happy knowing that she is with our wonderful Lord and savior.
I was blessed to be in Gloria’s presence for these few short weeks. Her gentle & kind spirit showed through everyday. How fortunate we are to have had her love and grace in our lives. She leaves a profound legacy in her children and grandchildren. We can all aspire for such accomplishments. Though she will be greatly missed I know she is in good hands now, and will forever watch over her lambs. Blessings to Dr. Z and all of the family.