Libby Zimmerman

A lady of quiet strength and bold character. Libby was born in Manhattan, New York on December 22, 1927 to Sam and Bella Dworetz. An only child, she was the apple of her parents’ eyes and spent her growing years in Brooklyn. Libby studied Fashion Design at The Fashion Institute of Technology and worked in the industry until she met her bashert, Herman Zimmerman, a Holocaust survivor from Czechoslovakia, in New York in 1957. A perfect match between two charismatic people with common goals. They embarked on a new adventure together when they moved to Toronto after they married on March 30, 1958. Libby helped Herman build a successful business in the fur industry in the Spadina Avenue Garment District. Libby and Herman raised Amy, Larry, and Dina in a loud and happy traditional home. She was a devoted and caring mother who raised her children to be confident and independent. In addition to her commitment to her family, she was a supporter of Women’s ORT and was an active participant and life member, rising to the position of President. She was a supportive and accepting mother-in-law to the late Stacy Campus z”l, Jackie Strauss, and Richard Ochshorn. Her greatest joy was being with her grandchildren, Brooke and Max, Sam and Rachel, Jesse, Dylan, Henry, Halee, and Spencer; she took the time to develop a unique relationship with each of them. She had an active and curious mind; she was a voracious reader and an accomplished bridge player. Her final public appearance was at Sam and Rachel’s wedding last July, where she was surrounded by family and friends, a true matriarch. We will be eternally grateful to Maria Christina “Christy” Gonzales and Alita Coronado who had limitless devotion to her comfort and care, and to our dear friend Dr. Kenny Greenwald who maintained Libby’s dignity while providing her with excellent medical care, and was always on call for medical advice and understanding.

Memorial Donations may be made to ORT Toronto  416-787-0339

Shiva – Due to Covid 19 please contact the mourners’ families directly for shiva details.