WILMINGTON — Susan Elizabeth Zimmerman Klingenberger, 77, was born Dec. 5, 1941, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. She died Wednesday, May 22, 2019, with her husband of 55 years by her side.
Susan was preceded in death by her father, Fred A. Zimmerman; mother, Vesta E. (nee Libby) Zimmerman; as well as her younger brother, William.
Susan is survived by the love of her life, Pete, who she married on April 18, 1964, in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania. She is also survived by her greatest and most proud accomplishments, her children, Anne K. Wilson (Gregor), Chris Klingenberger (Terri), Ellen K. Owens (Tim) and Johanna Klingenberger; grandchildren, Kelly Moosman Normand and Christopher Stone; great-grandchildren, Claire Jenkins, Lance Stone and Conrad Snyder.
Susan graduated from West Shore High School in Lemoyne, Pennsylvania, in 1959. She went on to nursing school and graduated from the Polyclinic Hospital School of Nursing in 1962. After moving to Wilmington in 1978, she was a pediatric nurse for over 30 years at New Hanover Regional Medical Center where she met so many patients who she loved as well as lifelong friends who became like family, especially of the remaining “four musketeers,” Barbara Varnam (aka Ethel to Lucy) Pam Van Velsor and Wanda Bass (you should write the book)!
Susan was an animal lover and advocate who had a soft spot for any dog, especially those with special needs. She was always bringing home the least adoptable, most unloved dogs and giving them the home, love and care they always dreamed of. Every single dog held a special place in her huge heart, and, as she said, she had applied for a job at the Rainbow Bridge and couldn’t wait to start her tenure. Susan and her husband Pete were avid travelers. They enjoyed taking trips all over the world, especially cruising the seas taking them to many different amazing countries.
Requiem Mass will be held at noon, Friday, May 31, at St. Therese Catholic Church, 209 South Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach, where Susan and Pete were longtime members. Later Friday evening, the family will have receive visitors at 5 p.m. at one of Susanʼs favorite places, her poolside garden, for drinks, snacks and storytelling.
The family would like to thank Lower Cape Fear Hospice Center for their care, compassion and support during the past year. Without them, we would not have had as much time, comfort and strength in helping us during this journey. We would also like to thank everyone — friends, neighbors, strangers — who have prayed, visited and supported us the past few years. The love we have all received is humbling, immeasurable, and we can not begin to express our gratitude enough. Thank you.
In lieu of flowers, Susan had requested donations be made to Paws Place Dog Rescue, 242 George II Highway, Winnabow, NC 28479; or to a no kill animal rescue of your choice.
Share online condolences with the family at Wilmington Funeral & Cremation.
