Mary Jo Zimmerman

Born in Bluffton, Ohio to the late Richard Rusmisel and Colette (Perret) Rusmisel, Mary Jo arrived with her mother and brother (Jim) to Sarasota, FL, in 1955. A 1966 graduate from Sarasota High (Go Sailors), Mary Jo worked downtown for General Telephone, becoming an accounting supervisor. In 1972, Mary Jo married John Zimmerman and the two moved to lay their roots in Bradenton, where they raised their two children. Mary Jo returned to work when her children were older, spending 12 years with the Manatee County School System and 8 years with Manatee County Utilities. Mary Jo officially retired in 2008 to care for her first granddaughter.

Mary Jo loved the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, attending First Baptist of Bradenton; becoming a member of Braden River United Methodist Church (BRUMC); and, finally, being part of the original congregation for Bayside Community Church. Mary Jo loved being Mary Mackerle as part of BRUMC’s children’s Fish Camp ministry, along with the Fish Camp Crew, for several years. Mary Jo was an avid beach goer. She had a passion for line dancing, especially in her golden years. She loved RV camping in the mountains and Disney’s Fort Wilderness. Her greatest love, however, was her grandchildren, who she helped raise and spoil every chance she had.

Mary Jo is predeceased by both her parents and grandson (Izzy Harris). She is survived by her beloved husband of fifty-three years, John, her daughter, Jennifer Hendrick, and her son, Jason Zimmerman (Tiffany); brother James Rusmisel (Janet); in-laws: Harry Zimmerman (Harriet), Eleanor Carney (Greg), and Catherine Deal. Her grandchildren include Tobi Harris, Hazel Hendrick; Sierra, Sawyer, and Saylor Zimmerman. Nieces and nephews: Tim Rusmissel, Shannon Clark, Greg (Delicia) and Charlie (Cara) Zimmerman, and Leslie (Tim) Rigney; along with great-nephews Cade Clark, Jack and Zack Zimmerman.

A celebration of life will be planned in the near future. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Vital Actions @ vitalactions.org (help save the planet).

Condolences can be made to the family at;

www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/bradenton-fl/mary-jo-zimmerman-12602814