Brigitte Karin Zimmer

April 19, 1945 - May 2, 2018

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Brigitte Zimmer. She passed away peacefully on Wednesday May 2, 2018, with her children by her side, at Rouge Valley Health - Centenary Hospital at the age of 73. Brigitte had Parkinson’s Disease for 23 years and passed away from complications related to her illness.

Brigitte was predeceased by her beloved husband Wolfgang Zimmer. She was the cherished mom of Christine de Blois (Craig) and Ron Zimmer (Erin). Brigitte was so happy to be an Oma to Emma, Bobby and Kylie de Blois, and Violet Zimmer. She was a loving sister to Brian Harper (Catherine), and Kathy Dunne (Pat). She was a dear aunt, niece, cousin and friend.

Brigitte was the first of three children born to Henry and Irmgard Zapfe (Harper) She was born in Hanover Germany, coming to Canada with her family when she was eight years old.

Brigitte loved school and was an excellent student. She always regretted not finishing high school because her father wanted her to take a job as a bank teller when she turned 16. In her early 30’s she decided to go back to high school and with great pride received her diploma, graduating with honours and awards for the highest marks. She then furthered her education at college. She worked as a book keeper, then as a high school secretary at Cedarbrae CI, followed by many years at the Scarborough Board of Education, which became the Toronto District School Board. In her final working years she was an administrative assistant to a superintendent at the school board.


Brigitte met the love of her life, Wolfgang, at the age of 19. They had two children and four grandchildren. Brigitte and Wolf had many wonderful experiences together. They built a cottage on Cordova Lake, where Brigitte’s parents had a cottage, and over the years enjoyed many family holidays and weekend getaways there with their own two children. Brigitte and Wolf loved to travel, going on cruises, beach vacations, trips to Florida, California, Las Vegas, and getaways to the casino, to enjoy the slot machines and the music concerts. Brigitte loved to shop, and could spend hours window shopping and found it thrilling to find an amazing deal. She was a self-motivated learner, going to financial workshops and learning about money management. She had a passion for reading and loved historical fiction. Brigitte loved her “Cafe and Kuchen” (coffee and cake) and desserts of all kinds.

Brigitte had a passion for music and sang as a soloist at Kiwanis musical festivals and in several choirs throughout her life. She grew up loving the rock and roll of the 1950’s. Brigitte could often be heard singing around the house, and across the lake at the cottage. She taught herself to play the guitar. Brigitte had a strong connection to her favourite songs until the last days of her life.

Brigitte was a devoted mother. She put family above all else. She was strict and had high expectations. She was someone who was there when you needed her and someone you could go to for advice.

Brigitte and Wolf lived together in their home for 45 years, until Brigitte’s illness required the extra care of a long term care home, where Wolf visited her and took care of her every single day until his own health began to fail.

Brigitte and Wolf were very much in love for their 50 years together. They loved the company of one another and were always together. It gives us comfort to know they are together again.

Brigitte was a beautiful, vibrant, passionate person, so full of life. It was heartbreaking to watch her decline in her final years. It gives us comfort to know she is at peace. In Brigitte’s honour donations can be made to the Parkinson’s Society of Canada.

Family and friends will be welcomed at The Simple Alternative Funeral Centre, 1057 Brock Road, Pickering (Brock & 401) on Monday May 28 from 4:00 - 6:00 pm. A Celebration of Life will be held at 6:00 pm with a reception to follow.