Lydia Hermina Zimmer. July 28, 1908-February 2, 2014. Lydia Hermina Zimmer, formerly of Yorkton, passed away at the Centennial Special Care Home in Langenburg on February 2, 2014 at age 105. Lydia was born near St. Thomas, ND, U.S.A. to parents, Augusta (Nee Hilster) and Edward Zimmer. The family moved to Springside, SK. in 1910 and two years later they settled in Yorkton where Lydia lived till May 2013. She attended school at Yorkton Collegiate Institute (YCI) then on to Burke, Vistoria, Simpson and finally back to YCI to finish her high school. During the thirties, jobs were scarce so she lived at home, helping out and having part time employment at various places including The Bay, Woolworth's, and finally, The Crescent Creamery. In November 1942, during World War II, Lydia moved to Ajax, ON. to work in an ammunition factory where shells were made. Lydia's job was to tie 12" sticks of cordite together. While there, she lived in a Women's Dormitory where she made many good friends. In May 1943, she returned to Yorkton where she was rehired by the Creamery and soon promoted to Office Manager, a position she held until 1965 when the business was sold. She then moved on to work at Blaze Transport where she remained until her retirement in 1970. Lydia was a Charter and faithful member of St. Paul Luthern Church and was involved in the choir, ELW and other church activities. Lydia's retirement years were busy ones. Her love of music made her decide to buy an organ and start taking music lessons. Her next move was to buy a car which she learned to drive and the family were able to enjoy many happy outings, as well as a trip to the United States. She became a member of the Rock and Gem Club and joined the Senior's Club making many more new friends. After her mother's death in 1970, she and her sisters did some travelling abroad and closer to home. They made many trips to Round Lake to enjoy the scenery and visit their sister, Alvina and family. After her sister's, Agnes, passed away in 1997 and Ida, in 2004, Lydia continued to live alone caring for the house and garden until 2006 when she sold her house and moved to The Bentley, where she quickly formed new friendships and took part in the many activities. The Bentley hosted a birthday party for two residents turning 100-Lydia's being one of them. Many relatives and friends were there to help her celebrate. She was never idle. She loved nice clothes which were always immaculate and always "color co-ordinated". Every morning she would arrive at breakfast sporting a different outfit. She had many hobbies: sewing; crocheting; garage sales; reading; music and dancing, especially old time and her favorite-polkas. She always had a crossword or Suduko puzzle handy. Lydia liked to watch TV and never missed a Rough Rider Game. News soon got around that she was a fan and had the honor of being invited as a special guest to attend the ceremonies at the Grey Cup Train October 12, 2012, as the oldest Rough Rider fan at 104 years of age. That day was one of the most exciting of her life! In May 2013, Lydia found she needed more care and became a guest at the Personal Care Home at Morris Lodge in Bangor. She enjoyed the extra care, short walks to inspect the flowers in the garden and especially, the good food. Her last move, November 2013, was to the Langenburg Centennial Special Care Home. She was very happy in her new home and enjoyed all the extra loving care and attention. Her last Christmas was a very happy one, taking part in the special activities, enjoying her last dance and the Christmas Dinner. Lydia passed away with her faithful caregivers by her side on Sunday, February 2, 2014. She was predeceased by: sisters, Alvina, Ida and Agnes; sister-in-law Clara; niece-in-law Bernice Zimmer;brothers, Louis, Julius, Henry and George; brother-in-law, Max Moller; and nephews, Roy and Al Moller. She leaves to mourn: nieces, Joan (Bill) Ohe, Audrey Zimmer, both of Edmonton; nephews, Earle (Nina) Moller of Dubuc, and Roy Zimmer of Regina; Niece-in-law, Ray Moller of 100 mile House, BC.; many great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews. Memorial and interment services will be held at a later date. Cremation entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
