Mary Jane Zimmer, 92
CHESHIRE, Mass. — Mary Jane Cerato Burns Zimmer, daughter of the late Lawrence and Giovanna (Blasi), died on June 1, 2021, at the age of 92 at the home of her daughter Kathryn and son-in-law Brian in Cheshire, Massachusetts where she has lived for the past eight years.
Born in Oct. 1928, Mary Jane grew up in Western New York where she lived and attended school and college. She became a teacher and taught in private and public schools and later earned a Masters in Education degree from Buffalo State College. She orchestrated Gifted and Talented Student programs and taught in the Buffalo Public School systems and later in Rome, New York where she retired until moving to Cheshire.
Mary Jane loved her family and extended family very much and would tell everyone about her children, six grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, sisters, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews, all of whom who live throughout the country. Her favorite times were spending time with her family at Sunday family dinners and holiday gatherings. She will be remembered as a generous soul, for her quick wit and sense of humor and her gift as a great storyteller.
She was married to the late Joseph E Burns II with whom she had four children, Mary T. Bing (Lawrence), Joseph E. Burns III, Kathryn M. Quiñones (Brian), and the late Lawrence F., who passed away as an infant at only one day old. She leaves behind her grandchildren and great grandchildren, her greatest love and of whom she spoke often. These include grandson Michael (Cynthia) Quiñones of North Adams and their daughters Annabelle River and Sylvie Ruth, grandson Dr. Timothy Quiñones and fiancé Emily Cohen of Somerville, granddaughter Alison Quiñones-Johnson (Sean) of Pittsfield, and their daughter Aibhlínn Kathryn, grandson Kevin Bing (Hilary) of Kalamazoo, Mich, and their children Reece and Violet, granddaughter Kathleen Conors (Daniel) of New York and their children Bryce and Sierra, and grandson Christopher Bing (Jeanne) of New Jersey and their daughter Daisy.
She also leaves behind her beloved sister Ann(Cerato) Brognano and husband Dr. James Brognano of Rome, NY, and numerous nieces and nephews, great grand nieces and grand nephews whom she loved as her own. She would speak of her family members whenever possible.
She also was predeceased by her beloved sister, Dr. Kathryn J. Cerato of Rome, NY.
Her family wishes to express their gratitude to the nurses Dawn and Jennifer and aides Lori, Audrey, Linda, Patti and Brianna from HospiceCare in the Berkshires who lovingly and thoughtfully cared for her for the past several months. Sincere thanks are also extended to the caring van drivers, Ed, Neil and others who transported Mary Jane for many years to and from the Cheshire and Adams Senior Centers where she made many friends. Donations may be made in her memory to the Senior Centers.
Due to COVID-19, a memorial service will take place at a later date.