Edith Eileen Zuttermeister's Obituary
Edith Eileen Zuttermeister, better known by many as “Grandma Z”, passed away on October 30th,. She was born in Joliet, IL. on April 21, 1918 to George and Edith Miller. She spent most of her life teaching elementary school in Decatur, IL., and continued substitute teaching at Greenhill School and in DISD until age 85. She was preceded in death by her infant sons John and Wayne, brothers Howard and Bob, her grandson Hitoshi, and her husband John. She is survived by her daughter Lynn Nikaidoh, son-in-law Hisashi, grandchildren Kimi and Ken, step-grandchildren and 13 godchildren. She was devoted to her family and became a third parent to Kimi and Ken, supporting them in all their interests, victories and defeats. Most important to her was her faith which she showed by her love and service to others, attending Bible study until the end and reminding us of Jesus’ love and concern for us all. She was known for her baking, compassion, open-mindedness, gracious hospitality and notes of encouragement to friends and public figures alike. Eileen attended Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Prestonwood Baptist Church, and Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. She was passionate about helping the abused, mistreated, disabled, and animals. She volunteered with Meals on Wheels, a special-needs Sunday school class, and Joni & Friends. She was a member of the Hanover Book Club and loved art, music, dance (especially Kimi’s) and opera. She was an encouragement, an inspiration, a comfort, and an advocate for everyone she met. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 5 at 12:30 p.m. at Restland’s Memorial Chapel, with a reception to follow. The family respectfully requests that NO flowers be sent. Instead, they would appreciate donations in Eileen’s memory to the charity of your choice or to the Special Needs Ministry at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 4000 Midway Road, Carrollton, TX 75007 or to the Genesis Women’s Shelter, 4411 Lemmon Ave., Suite 201, Dallas, TX 75219.
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