Josephine M. Zimmermann (nee Casciano), 88, of Bloomfield, formerly of Montclair and Newark, passed away Thursday, December 27, 2018. Known as “Jackie” or “Mima” to most, her life was shared with people she loved and cherished. As a member of a family of eight children, Jackie enjoyed motorcycle rides down the Garden State Parkway to the shore, and late night coffees with her brother Carmine. She was always under the protection of her five brothers and valued her lifelong friendship with her sisters, Carmela and Phyllis.

Jackie married Henry and with love and gentle guidance raised their five children. In addition, she cared for many other children and was often seen as “momma duck”, marshalling her flock to the park and the library. Jackie was a class act, always ready with her incredible smile, calm demeanor and her delicious meatballs for any occasion.

Jackie worked for 45 years for the Montclair YMCA, a job she loved along with her incredible co-workers. She recently retired at the age of 85. Her family bestowed on her the title, ‘Mayor of Montclair’ because she knew and loved so many people she had met through her work. She enjoyed travel with her family including many trips to the Jersey Shore, Disney, Aruba, and visits to Hawaii, London and Italy.

Predeceased by her husband Hank, brothers Pat, Philip, Ralph, Carmine, and Anthony, and sisters Carmela and Phyllis. She will be greatly missed by her family for whom she had enormous pride. Her children Henry (Donna), Wayne (Jane Shu), Patty Ann Sweeney (Hugh), Carl (Cathy) and Eric (Angela). Her grandchildren, Heather, Erica, Hugh III, Henry J, Bridget, Jake, Abigail and Eric, her great-grandson, Lincoln, sister-in-law, Barbara (Sissy) Sabinski, and many nieces, nephews, family members and friends.

Visitation will be Wednesday, January 2nd, 3pm to 8pm at Caggiano Memorial, 62 Grove St., Montclair, NJ. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10am, Thursday, January 3rd at The Church of the Immaculate Conception, Montclair. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Jackie’s memory to MontclairYMCA.org/giving/donate-now.