Marylou Zimmerman Corotis

Marylou Zimmerman Corotis, age 87, died peacefully on May 15, 2012, at Kobacker House. Marylou is survived by her children, Jeffery Walter of Tucson, Steven Edward of Saudi Arabia, Jenny Corotis Barnes (Jon) of Upper Arlington and stepson, Robert Maxwell of Cincinnati (former wife Debbie of Cincinnati); grandchildren Brian Robert (Ashley), Julie Nicole, Benjamin Robert, Nichole Marie, Maxwell Robert and Ava James, and sister Peggy Zimmerman Hallock, and brother in law, Dewey Guerin, and many beloved nieces, nephews, as well as caring friends and neighbors. Marylou was preceded in death in 1997, by her husband, Robert Edward Corotis, in 2007; by her son, Mark William Corotis, and by her brother Walter Barton Zimmerman, Jr., sister-in-law Audrey Merkle Zimmerman; sister, Gene Zimmerman Guerin, and brother-in-law Sandford Hallock. Marylou was born in Columbus on July 5, 1924, in Columbus, Ohio to Walter Barton Zimmerman and Gladys Jenny Browne Zimmerman. Marylou’s father was widely known in the city as a car dealer since 1907, having the first Ford Motor Car Company dealership in Central Ohio. He also owned a Hudson Essex dealership. Marylou grew up in Bexley and after losing her parents at a young age, graduated from the Columbus School for Girls in 1942. She attended Dennison University, and graduated from the Ohio State University in 1946, with a Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts. After college Marylou worked for Copeland Macelfresh decorators, and then was a Secretary at State Auto Insurance. In 1949, Marylou married Robert E. Corotis, who participated in the growth and naming of German Village. Marylou and Bob traveled to Europe often to see their German friends, the Schenzle family, who Robert befriended during World War II. Marylou was an avid community volunteer with the Aid for Retarded Children (as it was named then), Riverside Methodist Hospital, and for eight years as a docent at the Columbus Museum of Art. She also taught classes at the Franklin Park Conservatory in mountain, forests, and desert environments. Thereafter Marylou became a realtor for twenty-eight years starting with Jim Owen Realtors and finally with Coldwell Banker King Thompson’s Worthington and German Village offices. After the death of her husband, Marylou managed his real estate office in German Village for many more years. Marylou was also involved with the Mid-town Toastmasters. Marylou had varied interests including, gardening, painting, crafting stained-glass, folk dancing, the environment and a lifelong dedication to good health through exercise, natural medicine and health–conscious eating. Marylou will be remembered fondly for her kind words, open personality, independent nature, and effortless beauty. “Always searching for the presence of God and Jesus Christ.” Member of the Meadow Park Church of God. In lieu of flowers, Marylou would ask that you please take good care of yourself and understand the importance of good diet to prolonged happiness and health. A Memorial Service will be held at 5:00pm, Saturday, May 19, 2012 at the SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL 1740 Zollinger RD. where the family will receive friends from 4-6pm, Friday, May 18, 2012 and from 4-5pm, Saturday, May 19, 2012. Pastor Vickie Doyle officiating.