Louise Zimmerman

Louise Zimmerman (Berasi), 98, of Franklin Park, passed away on Saturday, October 10, 2020. Born in Freeport, Pennsylvania, she moved to Chicago with her family as a child. She was the youngest of five and often spoke fondly of her childhood days, saying, “We were poor but we were always happy.” Louise was a product of her hardworking and practical Trentino, Italy immigrant parents and started working full-time after she graduated eighth grade. She met her first love, Philip A. Martorelli in the neighborhood and they were married in 1943. When he was killed in action the following year, Louise persevered, giving birth to and raising their son, Philip C. Martorelli. She later married her devoted husband, Charles Zimmerman in 1950 and gave birth to their daughter, Sharon, the following year. Louise was a tireless and loving wife, mother and grandmother who doted on her grandchildren and great grandchildren until the very end. Her greatest joy was cooking for her family. She was famous for her mostaccioli, polenta and gravy, but will always be remembered for her gnocchi, which were absolutely perfect every time. Louise is now at peace in the heavenly embraces of her husband, her loving daughter Sharon, her parents Abele and Palma, her brothers Eddie and Benji, her sisters Tilda and Ida and all of her friends and family members that she missed so much. She leaves her proud legacy with her surviving family: son, Philip (Carol) Martorelli and their children, Natalie (Dennis), Valerie (Naresh), Victoria (Stephanie), Lorraine (Niraj), Eric (Christina), Ricky, Mikey and Joey; son-in-law John Rozak (late Sharon) and children, Nadyne (Eric) and Renee (Rick); niece Pam Persoski (late Mike) and children Debbie (Bob) and Phil; niece Sandra Wilken (Glenn) and children Jackie and Heather; and many great grandchildren. Visitation will take place on Friday, October 16, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. until time of funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Cumberland Chapels 8300 W. Lawrence Ave. Norridge. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in River Grove. Due to the current health guidelines, we are limited to 50 attendees at a time. We kindly ask that you quickly exit the funeral home after paying your respects to the family so that all visitors have an opportunity to enter. Please wear masks and use proper social distancing. Until further notice, the coffee room is not available for use. Please refrain from bringing food or beverage into the funeral home.