Margaret Leatrice Zimski

Margaret Leatrice Zimski November 21, 1922 - July 25, 2011 Margaret ("Peggy O'Malley") Zimski, beloved and devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend passed peacefully, in the presence of loving family members, on July 25, 2011 in St. Augustine, Florida. Peggy was devout in her faith and fierce in her loyalty and sense of fairness - as one would expect from a true Kennedy democrat. The greatest joy in her life was her family; from her smallest great grandchild to her oldest child, she listened to and counseled her family with a firm hand but with a warm heart. Peggy loved to cook. A main feature of every holiday was Peggy's special meals; her mashed potatoes are family legend. A lifelong avid reader and political junkie, to the end the clarity of her thinking was only exceeded by the sharpness of her wit. In her golden years she daily held court in her apartment for family, friends and anyone else who passed through her doors, dispensing Irish wisdom and sage advice. Peggy was born in Duluth, Minnesota November 21, 1922, one of three daughters of Walter and Irene O'Malley. In 1943 Peggy married Donald Zimski, who saw combat in Europe in World War II. Peggy and Don eventually moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where they raised their four children. From age 18 to 80, starting in Minnesota, and continuing in Fort Wayne and later in Atlanta, Peggy worked as a beautician. Customer and co-worker alike were drawn to Peggy's humor, charisma and strong personality, and in her work she forged lifelong relationships. In 1999 Peggy's charms reached across the Atlantic when she fulfilled her dream of visiting Ireland. Accompanied by her intrepid daughters, Peggy visited pubs and churches from Galway to Dingle and beyond. Peggy made her mark in the lives of almost everyone she encountered, from family, to friends, to colleagues, to people she would meet, to drug addicted babies she volunteered to nurture at St. Gerard's in St. Augustine. Peggy is survived by her sister Judy O'Malley; four children and their spouses, Mary Christon (Andy), Kathleen Zimski (Brent Petit), John Zimski (Carol), Patrick Zimski (Merry Ross); nine grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Donald and her sister Mary (Joy) Molter. Peggy's family has no doubt that she is now lighting candles for them and directing the angels and saints in heaven. A memorial mass for Peggy will be held at St. Anastasia Catholic Church, 5205 A1A South, St. Augustine, FL, on August 26, 2011, at 9:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, if you wish, please make a donation in Peggy's name to St. Gerard's Campus, PO Box 4382, St. Augustine, FL 32085 St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.