Paula Ann Ziemer

PAULA Ann ZIEMERAge 64 of Elburn, passed away Monday, February 4, 2008 at her home. BORN / EARLY YEARSShe was born October 31, 1943 in Rockford, IL, the daughter of Frank and Marjorie (Smith) Lightowler. When she was a child, the family moved to Downers Grove where she attended high school and was introduced to her future husband, Philip R. Ziemer, by his younger brother, Dennis. She was just eighteen when they were wed on February 24, 1961 in Downers Grove, IL. Philip worked in the insurance industry and Paula could have starred in her own home-improvement show. Growing up a "tom-boy", she learned how to fix and repair everything from the family car to household appliances. Still she enjoyed crocheting, quilting and making all kinds of arts and crafts.When her children were young, Paula began working as a secretary at the Glen Ellyn Clinic. In 1980, she took a job at Central DuPage Hospital and worked there for fourteen years as a medical secretary in a very busy Emergency Department. In 1994, life changed dramatically for Paula when she suffered a stroke at the age of fifty. Although she battled her way back to doing many of the things she always did, it was the end of her work at the hospital. She and Philip had made their home in Glen Ellyn and West Chicago for a number of years before moving to the Elgin area where Philip passed away in 2002. In that same year, she came to make her home with her daughter, Debbie and soon, was able to settle into independent living at the Meadows in Elburn. Paula loved a good game of cards and enjoyed many hours playing Pinochle, Seven-Hand Rummy and Nertz. Her family remembers the 1960’s "cat glasses" she’d wear at the card table to be extra sure she was on top of the game! She had a salty sense of humor and a feisty side that could fell abrasive at times but it was part of the "edge" that kept her independent and self-sufficient through the years. A bag of Cheetos, a cup of coffee and a cigarette were her favorite "snacks" as she would sit, watching out the window for a Cardinal to come visit her bird feeder. Ever since Philip’s death, they came with frequency and brought a lift to her day. As new tomorrow’s dawn, Cardinal’s will always bring a smile to loved ones as they remember two very special people. SURVIVORS She is survived by three children and five grandchildren:Steven A. (Linda) Ziemer and their son, Andrew of North Aurora, ILDeborah (Scott) Theis and their children, Zachary and Hannah of Elburn;Denise (Brandon) Welsh and their children, Tyler and Carter of Cary, IL;One sister, Mary Lynne Lightowler-Buck of New York.A brother and sister-in-law:Dennis (Kathy) Ziemer of Oswego, IL andNancy (James) Feetterer of Crystal Lake, ILAs well as several nieces and nephews.PRECEDED She joins now her parents, her husband and her mother and father-in-law, Ralph and Florence Ziemer who preceded her in death. MEMORIAL A memorial has been established in Paula’s name to benefit Conley Outreach Community Services and other local charities. Memorials checks may be made to the Paula Zeimer Memorial and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Tributes and memories may also be forwarded to the family at the same address or through her obituary at www.conleycare.com.

Friends may call at visitation hours, Friday, February 8, 2008 from 4-7:00pm at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL. Memorial services will follow at 7:30pm. The Rev. Fr. Karl Ganss of St. Gall Church, Elburn, will officiate.

Paula’s cremated remains will be laid to rest with her husband, Philip, at Lincoln National Cemetery, near Joliet.