Obituary of Euphemia Zimmers

Euphemia Phyllis Zimmers, 96, of Niskayuna, NY, passed into eternal life on Monday, September 1, 2014, surrounded by her daughter, Karen; grandchildren, Katie and Jeffrey; goddaughter/neice, Carol; longtime childhood friend, Stella Schultz and her Maltipoo puppy, Violet. Euphemia Phyllis Josephine Furman (Zimmers) was born on July 24, 1918 in Amsterdam, NY to immigrant parents, Lawrence and Mary (Antosz) Furman, both of Polish and Austrian descent. She had three siblings, John, Irene and Joseph, of which she was the third child. She was a graduate of Wilbur Lynch High School, with high academic honors, some of which are documented at the New York State Department of Education. She received awards every school year for perfect attendance, and for her hand writing abilities. As a child she would go sledding down the hills of Amsterdam, play ping-pong, pool, ice skate and go for rides in automobiles for ice cream. As a young woman, Euphemia worked for Collette's Manufacturing Company and Mohawk Carpet in Amsterdam, New York. When she married Charles J. Zimmers in 1942, she moved to Schenectady, New York. Euphemia worked throughout the Great Depression and supported the World War II efforts until starting a family in 1947. Throughout the next years, the Zimmers' family moved throughout the United States, due to job transfers. Charles travelled many weeks out of the year, and Euphemia was a devoted mother to her daughters and managed the household. She also held part-time retail positions at Carson Pirie Scott and J C Penny in Chicago. After returning to Schenectady in 1970, she became sales associate at Montgomery Ward in Mohawk Mall, Niskayuna, until her retirement in 1980. The post-retirement years were active, healthy and rewarding. Euphemia spent her days with friends, relatives, church/senior center events, volunteering at St. Clare and Ellis Hospitals. Her favorite activities were dancing, cherished visits with her children, grandchildren, Katie and Jeffrey and great-grandchild, Tyler, and traveling to Boston, Cape Cod, Maine, California, Florida, Hawaii, the Caribbean. Her granddaughter, Katie, calls her Granny her first best friend and has fond memories riding in grandmother's Cadillac, watching Wheel of Fortune, The Lawrence Welk Show and reading children's stories on her lap. Euphemia's stamina was never-ending. She bowled on two senior bowling leagues at Boulevard Bowl, Schenectady, using her own bowling ball, weighing 10 lbs. She was very proud of her athletic accomplishment of bowling a perfect game. Additional hobbies were gardening, watching the Boston Red Sox, knitting and going to community dinners. She was a member of the Niskayuna Senior Center where she enjoyed being with friends, playing cards and going on trips. All who knew Euphemia admired her beautiful smile, strength, friendship, empathy, dependability and honesty. Euphemia is famous for her apple pies, winning numerous baking contests; her handmade babka bread and Polish foods. Euphemia was predeceased by her devoted husband, Charles J. Zimmers (1970); her father, Lawrence Furman (1963); her mother, Mary Furman (1975); and siblings, John Furman, Joseph Furman, and Irene Hardison. She is survived by her daughters, Karen Zimmers of Niskayuna, Barbara Jandro of Sarasota, Florida; grandchildren, Katelyn (Katie) Shea, Jeffrey Senecal, Jennifer Beyer, John (Colleen) Senecal; great-grandchildren, Tyler Senecal (son of Jeffrey), Christopher and Chloe Beyer (children of Jennifer), Jackson and Austin (sons of John); nieces, Carol Furman, Janet Furman, CSJ; nephew, Robert Furman; and her faithful puppy, Violet. Her daughter, Karen would like to thank Dr. David Liebers and the A6 floor staff of Ellis Hospital for all the compassion for and care of her mother through the difficult times. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society , the ASPCA or a charity of choice . In respect of Euphemia's wishes, there will be no viewing hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, September 4, 2014 at 9 a.m. at Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, 1803 Union Street, Niskayuna. Burial to follow at the Mother of Sorrows Shrine, The Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna.