Vera Lorrine Tschache Zimmerman

(Rene) passed away peacefully on March 20, 2018 at Madrona House on Bainbridge Island.Born November 2, 1924 in Great Falls, Montana, she lived several years in the tiny town of Highwood before the family moved to Hamilton where her father owned a feed store.After high school graduation Rene went to Los Angeles to live with her Aunt Edith. She took singing lessons and worked at North American Aviation in the metals laboratory. At the end of WWII, she returned to Montana, marrying Aaron Lawrence (Larry) Zimmerman in 1946. They had five children: Adeena, Paul, Kathleen (Kate), Eileen and Janet. The growing family moved several times for Larry's career as a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, living in Oregon, California, Utah, and Washington. When Larry retired in 1976, the couple returned to Montana. They moved to Bainbridge Island in 2011.Rene was an active volunteer for organizations such as Meals on Wheels, The Girl Scouts, Welcome Wagon, and St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula. A talented singer, she was a member of Sweet Adeline's chapters in both Bountiful, Utah and Bellevue, Washington. She and Larry were avid bridge players and enjoyed camping and traveling. She was an adventurous cook, loved entertaining and always had a wide circle of friends. Her gracious and generous spirit was present to the end of her long life. Rene is survived by two of her children, Eileen Zimmerman Nicol of Bainbridge Island, WA, and Janet Zimmerman of Atlanta, GA; and her grandchildren Michael Zimmerman, James Zimmerman, John Zimmerman, and Amanda Nicol.There will be a memorial service at Eagle Harbor Congregational Church on Bainbridge Island on April 7, 2018 at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choice. Arrangements are entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home. Please sign the online guest book for the family.