On Sunday morning, the Lord called home his beloved daughter, Joyce Elaine Zimmerman, 80, of Liverpool. Born in Syracuse to Floyd and Cecelia Tetzner, she lived her life as she embraced her Christian faith-with grace, dignity, love, and kindness. An only child, Joyce met her best friend, Elizabeth "Betty" (Minotta/Haynes) Ziegler when they were 13 years old. They were inseparable, claiming each other as "blood sisters" for life. She met her husband a year later at 14 years old. He was 17. Joyce was a bright star for so many people, children and adults alike. The students at Craven Crawford Elementary School, where she worked as a librarian aide for 23 years, were drawn to her caring nature. Known as "Mrs. Cinnamon," their faces would light up whenever they saw her in or outside of school. She gave troubled kids hope through compassion, her family and friends support through her presence, and always love and laughs to keep life in perspective. She was everything you'd ever want in a mom, a grandma, wife and friend-nurturing, encouraging, gentle, supportive, strong, wise, welcoming to all, and the most selfless person you could ever meet. She was a true inspiration. A communicant of Christ the King Church, Joyce carried an incredibly deep and unwavering faith, that through her words and actions, she gracefully passed on to her daughters. Joyce is predeceased by her parents Floyd Tetzner and Cecilia (Antzak) Tetzner. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Gregory Zimmerman, daughters Elaine (Robert) Braun, of Baldwinsville, and Tami Scott, of Liverpool; four grandchildren Gregory Braun, Juliana Scott, Santiago Scott and Jonathan Scott; a nephew, John Gerard, who was like a son, a special niece, Lisa Renaud, and "adopted" daughter Mary Petrarca, who referred to her as "Mama Joyce." She is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to . The family would like to express their gratitude for the wonderful and caring support given to Joyce during her stay at Upstate Medical Center/Community Campus 3W. Calling Hours are Thursday from 4 to 7 pm at the Maurer Funeral Home Moyers Corners, 3541 Rt. 31, Baldwinsville. Funeral services will be 9:15 am Friday, March 1, 2019 at the funeral home and 10 am at Christ the King Church, 21 Cherry Tree Circle, Liverpool. The Rite of Committal will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery.

Published Syracuse Post Standard from Feb. 25 to Feb. 26, 2019