Janet Zimmer

November 18, 1936 - November 29, 2022

Janet Zimmer passed away shortly after her 86th birthday on November 29th. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Chris Zimmer. Jan is survived by her children: Jeanne Mursch, Eric Mursch (Sherry), her stepchildren: Chris Zimmer (Sara), Melissa Zimmer Grokulski, Mark Zimmer, Christi Zimmer Greiner (Stephen), and her grandchildren: Nathan and Aaron.

Jan was born in San Diego to Helen Bernita Bole and Mason J. Hamilton. Her father was a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and in the Navy so the family frequently moved until the end of World War II before settling in Marion, Indiana. Jan earned her B.A. in U.S. History at Indiana University, with a minor in English. She met her first husband, Grant, while he worked in the dining hall.

Jan’s true calling was as a teacher. Her first job was with the Warren Township School District in Indianapolis. After she moved to the Bay Area, Jan taught in the South San Francisco School District, mostly at El Camino High School, for over 30 years. Jan was a favorite among students; always ready to help and guide them. The Multi-Cultural Club Jan sponsored at El Camino High School was a special place for all students to come together and celebrate life. It was while teaching there that Jan met her second husband and the love of her life, Chris. They were together over 35 years before his passing in 2011.

She was a member of the League of Women Voters for over 50 years. She was not afraid to take direct action on issues she felt strongly about, like when she protested against the Vietnam War at the Democratic Convention in Chicago in 1968, and wound up in a photo in Life magazine.

Chris and Jan spent many summers up at the Russian River or in the Santa Cruz Mountains, and after they retired, their traveled to see America’s National Parks. Jan was awed by Bryce Canyon with its amazing hoodoos. She also loved Yellowstone and parks in Alaska, but her favorite National Park was Yosemite.

Everyone who knew Jan felt her generous ebullient spirit. If Jan called you friend, then you were truly honored to be her friend for life. Jan will be lovingly missed by her family, numerous friends and thousands of students she taught during her long career.

The family encourages donation in Jan’s name to a charity of your choice.