Charlene Fern Zimmer Ulanowski

Charlene Fern Zimmer Ulanowski, 72, died Sunday, June 22, 2014, at her home after a prolonged battle with pancreatic cancer. 

She was born and raised in Chicago and was a longtime resident of Woodstock. She was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Harvard, where she was active in the choir and a member of the Ladies Evening Guild. 

For more than 40 years, community theater played a major role in her life. She was on the board of the TownSquare Players, and was a member of the Woodstock Musical Theatre Company and the Woodstock Opera House Council. She was in several productions over the years. Her all-time favorite role was  playing a secretary in the musical, Gypsy. 

Offstage, her favorite role was that of doting grandma to her only grandchild, Christina, always referred to as “the light of her life.” Together, they formed a mutual admiration society. They may have lived in different states, but their visits together were always filled with fun, games and lots of laughter. She  was not tech-savvy; however, she mastered Face Time so she could video chat with Christina at least once a week. 

Survivors include two sons and their spouses, Marc (Dr. Michael Kohl, her favorite son-in -law), Stephen (Lisbeth Davidson, her favorite daughter-in-law); a granddaughter, Christina (also her favorite); cousins, Ron and Carol Zimmer and their children, Amy, Kevin and Gary and grandchildren Cody, Austin and Will; nephews, Tony, Brian (Corrine), Kelly (Trish) and Justin Smith; many grand-nieces and grand-nephews; special friend, Betsy Stemple; her beloved and devoted Chihuahua, Lola; and a menagerie of furry four-legged grandchildren that she adored. 

She was preceded in death by her father, Anton Zimmer; her mother, Thelma (Hein) Zimmer; and her sister, Glenaya Smith. 

A memorial service was held June 29 at the Woodstock Opera House. 

Donations can be made to the TownSquare Players of Woodstock. 

Arrangements were made by Schneider-Leucht-Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home.