Maida Hallie Roselyn Zimmerman

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Zimmerman, Maida Hallie Roselyn (Gustafson Holmquist) 71 years, of Coon Rapids, MN, died peacefully at the Farmstead Memory Care Unit on February 23, 2012 after a short, but long, difficult few years with breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease. Maida grew up in Hallock, MN where family and church were the center of her life. She spent time living in Long Prairie, Chicago, Kansas, and Columbia Heights, before settling in Fridley while raising a family, and then Coon Rapids for her later adult years. First and foremost, Maida was a devoted mother, grandmother, and treasured friend. She perfected the art of listening. Maida's calling and life's work was as a registered nurse. Her career began at Unity Hospital in the ER. She then was instrumental in starting the endoscopy unit there. She ended her RN career at MN Gastroenterology where she was well loved and respected by colleagues and patients. Maida was an adventerous, active woman who loved downhill skiing, motorcycle rides, biking, figure skating, walking, and traveling in the U.S., as well as many trips abroad. She was an avid reader, crossword puzzle fanatic, sports fan, and accomplished piano player. She loved flowers, dancing with Ed, setting a beautiful table and entertaining, going to the theater, progressive politics, gospel music, and above all-family gatherings. Her physical beauty - those eyes, that smile and laugh, that skin! - was only surpassed by her inner light. Until the very end she was an independent woman; a strong and stubborn Swede. Our hearts are broken by her too-soon passing. The world will never be the same without her. Her spirit will live on through her children, Desiree Holmquist (Jade Shovein) and Jeffrey Holmquist; her life partner, Ed Williams; her grandchildren, whom she adored, Brianna Byram, Dillon Byram, Tanner Byram; her great-granddaughter, Marlo Roselle Byram; her brother, Arden Gustafson; her sister, Jewell Gamble (Jim); her nephews, Troy Gamble (Wendy) and Brett Gamble (Jody) and her great nieces and nephews, Chelsae, Justice, Raina, and Quinn; her extended family near and far, her co-workers, and all of her friends whose lives were enriched by her presence. Many thanks to Presbyterian Homes staff and HealthPartners Hospice. A gathering (3:30 pm) and celebration of her life (5:00) will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 61 Mississippi St. NE, Fridley, MN 55432 on Friday, March 2, 2012. Memorials preferred to the Alzheimer's Association.

Published on February 26, 2012