In memory of

Betsie Zimmerman

September 25, 1934 -  August 27, 2020

Betsie was an extraordinary wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She was loved by everyone who knew her. She was born September 25, 1934 in Scheveningen, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands, to Arend Jan and Johanna Wilhelmina Ter Haar (nee Franke). She was one of four children, with two older sisters, Hettie (Frank) and Joop (Rob), and a younger brother Andre (Lynn). She grew up during and in the aftermath of World War II. She particularly remembered and loved to share stories of her rowing club and its many victories in those days. She left the Netherlands for Canada in 1964 where she worked at Molson. In Canada, she met and in 1967 married (Paul) Douglas Zimmerman to whom she was a loving wife and partner for 53 years. She adopted and adored two children Mark (Alison) and Lisa and was later a loving grandmother to Ava, Waverly and Silas. She was an honorary mom to her youngest brother-in-law Jeff (Nancy), a dear friend to her sister-in-law Cheryl (Leslie) and a favourite aunt to Nancy, Cynthia, Harriƫt, Jessica, Monique, Rene, Andrew, Shanley, Erica, Jordan and April. She made the lives of everyone she met richer through her warmth, her cooking and her always ready ear and advice. In addition to her family, she is dearly missed by her bridge friends, her Markland neighbours, her children's friends and the many others she touched along the way. She passed peacefully with her family at her side and nearby on August 27, 2020. In keeping with Betsie's wishes and in respect of COVID-19, an outdoor service will be held at graveside for family and close friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Sick Kids Foundation.

Guestbook 

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Lisa (Daughter)

Entered September 3, 2020 from Toronto, ON

No amount of words could possibly convey the magnitude of loss felt absent of your presence. My devoted mother, adoring OMA, beautiful soul, & best friend....the brand you left on our hearts will never heal.

JEFFREY, NANCY, JORDAN & APRIL ZIMMERMAN (Brother & Sister-In-Law, Nephew & Niece)

Entered September 3, 2020 from CLARINGTON, ONTARIO.

Dear Doug, Mark, Lisa, Alison, & Grandkids: As we share your grief with Betsie's passing, we also fondly remember her most generous nature, lovely smile and her love for all family and friends. She was a truly genuine person who cared about her family above all else and it showed. We will remember and are truly grateful for, all of the wonderful times spent together with Bets, Doug, Mark, Lisa, and later the grandkids, whom she adored. We are here for you and are proud to have known Betsie and call her our "sister" and "Aunt". Blessings from (Uncle) Jeff, (Aunt) Nancy, Jordan & April.

Joan and John McCartney (Cousin)

Entered September 4, 2020 from Orangeville

Dear Doug please accept out deepest sympathies with the loss of your beloved wife and partner. Bestie was a wonderful lady and I feel blessed to have known her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad and difficult time. If there is anything that we can do for you just give us a call. Love Joan and Jack.

Ken Jones (Long time friend)

Entered September 4, 2020 from Toronto

Betsie will be missed by all who knew her.

Peter and Wendy Banting (friends)

Entered September 5, 2020 from Hamilton

Dear Doug and family,
Wendy and I are saddened by your dear Betsie's death. We will miss her warmth and sincerity. Our hearts go out to you with love.

Photos 

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