Irene Mae Zimmerman, 62, of Lititz, PA, died on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at the Essa Flory Hospice Center in Lancaster.  Born in Lancaster, she was the daughter of the late Hazel and Ervin Hershman.  Married on March 28, 1970, Irene was the wife of Fredrick K. Zimmerman, Sr. who celebrated 41 years together.

Irene graduated from Conestoga Valley High School.  She was a caregiver to veterans for 15 years and a homemaker.  She was also a published poet.  A Prayer Warrior, Irene was a member of Manheim Brethren in Christ Church.

In addition to her husband, Irene is survived by two sons, Frederick C. Zimmerman, Jr., husband of Heidi, of Ephrata, PA and Timothy W. Zimmerman, husband of Laura, of Lititz, PA; two daughters, Roxanne K. Eyrich, wife of Kerry, of Montrose, PA and Lisa L. Kofroth, wife of Rodney, of Lititz, PA; a sister, Shirley Clark of Paradise, PA; two brothers, Delbert Hershman of Lancaster, PA and Robert Hershman of Ephrata, PA; a brother-in-law, Richard Honig of New Jersey.  Irene was a proud grandmother of 15 grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by a sister, Louise Honig.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 7 PM at the Manheim Brethren in Christ Church, 54 North Penryn Road, Manheim, PA 17545 with Pastor Lou Astuto             officiating.  Family and Friends will be received from 6-7 PM at the church.  Please OMIT flowers.  Contributions can be made in Irene's memory to the Hospice of Lancaster County, 685 Good Drive, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604 or www.hospiceoflancaster.org and National Breast Cancer Foundation, 2600 Network Blvd, Suite 300, Frisco, TX 75034 or www.nationalbreastcancer.org .  To send the family an online condolence, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory 717-560-5100