Jaime Leah Zimmerhanzel

Jaime Leah Zimmerhanzel

September 17, 1949 - December 11, 2017

Jaime Leah (Moore) Zimmerhanzel passed away December 11, 2017 after a nine-year struggle with Dementia with Lewy Bodies. She was born in El Campo, Texas on September 17, 1949 to James and Angie Peterek Moore.

Jaime graduated from El Campo High School in 1967 and the University of Texas in 1971 with a degree in Elementary Education. During her time at UT, she sang in the UT Women’s Choir. Upon graduation, she began her career as an elementary teacher in the Taylor Independent School District.

Jaime continued teaching in Taylor for over 30 years at all five of the Taylor ISD elementary campuses: West End, 12th Street, Northside, T.H. Johnson, and Naomi Pasemann. She taught third grade for many years, serving as Unit Leader and working with her fellow teachers in writing and developing curriculum. A kind, patient and encouraging teacher, many a student would say that Mrs. Zimmerhanzel (Miss Moore) was one of their favorite teachers. She retired in 2004.

Jaime was a devoted wife and mother, a beloved “Mimi” to her grandchildren, a loving sister and aunt, and a loyal friend. She never had an unkind word to say towards anyone, and always had a smile for those she would encounter.

Jaime hosted the Taylor Rotary Christmas party in their home for 15 years; she was a Paul Harris Fellow and an ardent supporter of the Rotary Polio Plus project. Jaime was a longtime member of Young Women’s Study Club and Catholic Daughters of America.

Jaime enjoyed reading, sewing, gardening, saltwater fishing, singing and playing the piano. She was very talented in tending her flowerbeds, shrubs, and indoor plants. Jaime loved spending time with her grandchildren and helping care for them prior to her illness. Her family was her pride and joy.

Jaime is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Pat Lovell, brother-in-law Steven Scruggs, and father-in-law Paul Zimmerhanzel, Sr.

Jaime is survived by her husband of 44 years, Paul, Jr. (Pete), daughter Heidi Altman and husband Brett of Taylor; son Phillip Zimmerhanzel and wife Traci of Round Rock; grandchildren Ryan Altman, Brady Altman, Leah Altman, Claire Altman, Tyler Zimmerhanzel and Sydney Zimmerhanzel. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Dale Lovell and wife Rose of Austin, sister-in-law Cheryl Zimmerhanzel Scruggs of Taylor; mother-in-law Beatrice Zimmerhanzel of Taylor; and nieces and nephews Wendy Lovell Stewart and husband Patrick, Matthew Lovell and wife Lauren, Stacy Stork and husband Jeff, Scott Scruggs and wife Nikki, and eight great-nieces and great-nephews.

Jaime’s family would like to offer special thanks to all the healthcare workers who took such good care of her over the years.

Visitation will be held at Providence Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 13 from 5-7 pm with a Rosary to follow at 7 pm. The funeral mass will be held on Thursday, December 14 at 10:30 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Taylor.

Burial will follow at Taylor City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic School Trust Fund or to the Jaime Leah Zimmerhanzel Memorial Scholarship at Taylor High School to provide financial support for graduates pursuing a college degree in elementary education.