Mary Evelyn Gale Zimmerman Helwig

We Zimmerman girls are extremely sad to announce our beloved Mother, Mary Gale Zimmerman Helwig passed away July 13, 2013, at Mid-Michigan Medical Center, at the age of 91. Mary Evelyn Gale was born September 26, 1921, in Bath, England, to the late Gilbert and Evelyn Gale. Mom was also predeceased by her only two siblings, brothers David and Geoffrey, who both died at an early age from separate tragic accidents. She also was predeceased by her first love, fiancé Bill Clark, who was killed in WWII. In 1944, Mom married our father, the late Carl Zimmerman, who was stationed in Europe during WWII. Mother came to the U.S. as an Army bride, proceeded to have their first three daughters, and traveled as an Army family, living in Germany and many U.S. bases. Mom was proud of her work with the NCO wives club, and belonged to several British wives clubs over the years. In 1957, our family settled in Bay City, where Mom worked in retail sales at Sears, Wiechmann's, and Jacobson's, then later had two more daughters. Left to cherish her memory, are five strong loving daughters, Ret.MSgt.Gail Zimmerman of Colorado Springs, CO., Kathy (Donn) Plummer of LaPorte, IN, Laurie (Herb) Morley of Essexville, Chris Jones of Bay City, and Melanie Papa of Boynton Beach, FL. Mom was blessed with nine grandchildren, Dee Plummer Jones (Bobby) Hayes, Geoff (Cheryl) Plummer, Ryan and Eric Morley, Jessica Jones (Gavin) Tucker and Casey Jones, Christina, Gina (Anthony Capise), and Anthony Papa. Mom was predeceased by one grandson, Rob Jones. She was also blessed with six great grandchildren, Kristine and Richard Jones and Andrew Hayes, and Kyle, Mckenzie, and Riley Plummer. On Mom's 80th birthday, she married her loving and devoted husband, Earl Helwig of Midland, who survives her, along with Earl's seven children, Buzz, Dennis, Mike, Pam, Dori, Karen, and Kay, his 12 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren. Mom is also survived by her very best friend of over 40 years, Valerie (Harry) Grimmer, who was a true blessing in Mom's life. We are happy to say, Mom and Earl were very healthy, active and independent, up until the last year or so, spending time at Trailside in Midland, calling bingo and playing cards. Mom lived the last three months of her life at Brittany Manor in Midland, and we would like to thank the kind staff for taking good care of her. Cremation has taken place and a private inurnment will take place in Flint, but we welcome friends to come celebrate Mary's life at a Memorial Luncheon on Sunday, July 28, 2013 at 12 noon at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Essexville, corner of Pine and Nebobish. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to "wishes of the family", for a fund to be designated at a later date. www.gephartfuneralhome.com