Shirley Zimmerman (Née Bercovitch)
(née Bercovitch)
1922 – 2019
Peacefully, after complications from a fall, on Wednesday, September 11, 2019. Wife of the late Alfred Zimmerman Q.C. Mother of Karen Thompson and Susan Zimmerman (George Iny). Grandmother of Katie. Predeceased by her brothers, Bernard Burger and Mel Bercovitch. Sister-in-law of Lillian Zimmerman. She will be missed by her nieces, cousins, and extended family.
Born in Pinsk, Shirley and her family immigrated to Canada when she was four years old. She grew up around the Main in Montreal and graduated from the High School for Girls on University Avenue. Growing up during the Depression with limited means, she developed a strong sense of social justice, which she maintained throughout her life. In the late 1940s, Shirley had the exceptional experience of studying theatre in New York City, at the Dramatic Workshop of the New School for Social Research. Her classmates included Harry Belafonte, Walter Matthau, Bea Arthur, Tony Curtis and Rod Steiger. Her studies and her time on the stage were a highlight of her life, and she maintained a lifelong passion for the theatre and for New York. She eventually opted for love and motherhood, marrying her soulmate Alfred Zimmerman in 1953 and settling back in Montreal. She devoted herself to her daughters Karen and Susan, and to a strong circle of friends. Shirley returned to the theatre in a different role in the 1970s, working as a publicist for the La Poudrière Theatre.
After Alfred’s passing in 1995, she adjusted to life as a single woman with her customary energy and flair. This led to a new chapter of her life, with Marcel Adams. Two strong personalities, they complemented each other and led an active life together, with travel and cultural events into well their 90s, slowing down only relatively recently to simply enjoying regular Friday night dinners at her apartment. She never lost her elegance, her style, and her love of the dramatic, even in everyday life.
Many thanks to her devoted caregivers of the last few years, in particular, Linda Summerside, Juliette Kerr and Angie Punzalan. Funeral service from Paperman & Sons, 3888 Jean Talon St. W., on Sunday, September 15 at 11:00 a.m. Burial at the Beit Abraham Congregation Section, Kehal Israel Cemetery. Shiva at her home, Sunday following burial until 5:00 p.m. and from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., and Monday from 2:00 to 5:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Services at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday only. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Shirley’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Shirley Zimmerman Nee Bercovitch..
Décès pour la Ville: Montreal, Province: Quebec