Elaine M. Zimmerman (née Nahajlo), 71, of Port Charlotte, Florida passed away unexpectedly on July 27, 2024. Born in Springfield, MA, Elaine was a Graduate of Westfield State College, from where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees; she was proud to be the first in her family to receive a college degree. Elaine…
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Elaine M. Zimmerman (née Nahajlo), 71, of Port Charlotte, Florida passed away unexpectedly on July 27, 2024. Born in Springfield, MA, Elaine was a Graduate of Westfield State College, from where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees; she was proud to be the first in her family to receive a college degree. Elaine dedicated over five decades of her life to education, profoundly impacting countless students. Teaching and helping her students navigate life gave her purpose and filled her heart with joy. She loved to be a master of her craft, earning National Board Certification in Language Arts, among other distinctions. She spent most of her career at Gateway Regional High School in Huntington, MA, retiring in 2009 only to return to teaching, most recently at SKY Academy in Venice, followed by St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School in Port Charlotte, Florida. Beyond her professional life, Elaine was a devout member of and Eucharistic Minister at St. Charles Borromeo in Port Charlotte, where she found a community filled with love and service. Her family, particularly her children and grandchildren, were the center of her world. Elaine cherished the simple pleasures in life, such as soaking in the sun at the beach, making memories with her family, and immersing herself in a good book.
Elaine is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Jessica Sullivan and Kristin Zimmerman-Bourassa (Matt); stepdaughters, Michelle Ramirez (David) and Stefanie Donaldson (Daniel); six grandchildren: Braden and Connor Sullivan, Madeleine and Lucas Bourassa, Avery and Jack Donaldson; and her beloved companion, Michael Lavell. Her love of family will be deeply missed by her brother, Robert Nahajlo, her sister, Marie Nahajlo, and their families. She was preceded in death by her parents, John B. and Gladys Nahajlo; her brother, John “Butch” R. Nahajlo; and her late husband, Edwin Barr.
The depth of her life and legacy cannot possibly be captured in words. Her unwavering dedication to teaching, service to others, and love for her family were the hallmarks of her life. She will be profoundly missed.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 2, 2024 at 11:00am at Roberson’s Funeral Home Port Charlotte chapel. A celebration of life service will be held in Port Charlotte at a later date. Funeral and burial arrangements will be made through Kidder Funeral Home and held at St. Patrick Parish in Northfield, MA on a date to be announced by the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Elaine’s honor to “St. Charles Borromeo School in Port Charlotte” at https://www.wesharegiving.org/app/giving/WeShare-1391?tab=home
Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory Port Charlotte Chapel.
Jolene Hunn
left a message on October 8, 2025:
Ms. Zimmerman was a great teacher. I, as one of her former students, really loved to go to her class, and being with her was always a great time. I really don't remember any "bad" times while being in Ms. Zimmermans class. I met her at the end of 5th grade, and thought to myself "Wow, she looks like a super mean teacher. I really don't want to see her next year.". But oh boy, I was completely wrong. Ms. Zimmerman really cares for her students, and I got a hug from her every day, I also made these little origami paper fish for her, every single day. I don't really know why I did it, but I started around September and just kept doing it every day. Eventually she put them in a bowl, and that one eventually filled up, and she had to get another one. I remember her always talking about her love for the beach to us, and also her love for books. I also remember this one time when we were reading this book called "The Cay" as a class, and there was this part in the book talking about a bird called a "Blue footed Boobie", and it was just the funniest thing ever at the time, even Ms. Zimmerman was giggling. Ms. Zimmerman had to explain to us that it was a kind of bird, and not what everybody was actually thinking. One thing I really like about Ms. Zimmerman was how she never treated us like babies and was always preparing us for high school. I only had one year with her before she passed, and that was my sixth-grade year. I am now in eigth-grade, hoping to graduate from middle school soon. I hope she's proud of me, my class and how far we've come. Ms. Zimmerman always told us something (I'm not 100% sure this is exactly what she said, but it's something similar to this) about how after she passes away, before she gets into the gates of Heaven, God will ask her what she did on earth to deserve to get into Heaven, and she told us she would say something along the lines of 'teaching and dealing with children her whole life'. I've always thought that was funny and thought nothing of it, but now it's become a reality. Death is a very scary thing, and it's something that I've never been able to understand. Ms. Zimmerman was an amazing teacher, and she is one of the teachers that I will never forget.
Averly and Emily
left a message on November 5, 2024:
You will forever be missed Ms. Z. You made a huge impact on our lives. You cared about us and we love you for that. You were always there for a us and you showed that you cared. I'm sorry I missed your memorial I deeply regret it.
<3
Averly and Emily
left a message on November 5, 2024:
Ms. Zimmerman will forever be missed. You made a huge impact on our lives and we couldn't have asked for a better teacher. you were there for us Ms. Z, we love you. <3
Nicolas Valdivia
left a message on September 20, 2024:
I loved Mrs. Z. She was my teacher at St Charles. She had the greatest impact on my life and I was sad when I heard the news. Mrs. Z may you rest in eternal peace.
Tamara Nuboer
left a message on August 11, 2024:
Elaine welcomed me at Sky Academy where she taught 6th grade ELA, and I 7th grade. She was so generous with her guidance as I had never taught middle schoolers. Even though I relocated out of Florida after three years, we still stayed in touch and I miss her very much!
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Beth Harmon
left a message on August 2, 2024:
Elaine welcomed me into her classes to work with shared students who had speech and language needs as well as reading. I learned so much from her on addressing multiple communication needs and collaboration. She was always upbeat and had a special gift for working with all kinds of students and sharing that knowlege. My condolences to all her family.
Linda Louis
left a message on August 1, 2024:
You always thanked me for being a supportive parent. I always told you that teachers are no different from nurses we care for people and someone else's kids. I always promised that I would like a candle and pray for the teachers at ST Charles and I will continue to do so. Thank you for mentoring my son and always encouraging him. You will be deeply missed.
Dale Barr
left a message on August 1, 2024:
Elaine ‘ you will be missed by so many that had the privilege to be in your life ! I know you are in heaven
Next to you mom and dad ! Prayers to you beautiful daughters as they go through this difficult time !
May your spirit be close to them always !
Dale Barr
Mary Ligenza
left a message on August 1, 2024:
Dear Jessie and Kristin, very sorry to hear about your mom. She was the best. I remember all the fun things we did at Stone Mountain.
Angela Ramsey
left a message on August 1, 2024:
Thank you, Elaine, for being my mentor while I was with you at St. Charles. You will be so dearly missed. Sending my deepest condolences to all of her family. She will be the most beautiful guardian angel to all.
Nadia Clarke
left a message on August 1, 2024:
In memory of Elaine
M.
Zimmerman, Nadia Clarke lit a candle
Mike DiMauro
left a message on August 1, 2024:
Elaine was the very first teacher that I had at Gateway Regional High School because her class was the very first class of the day on my first semester schedule. Elaine is a type of teacher that would not give up on any of her students. She wanted all of her students to succeed in life. Elaine also helped me when it came to retaking the MCAS and she was the one that told me that I had passed on the second retry of the test. Elaine will be missed and my thoughts and prayers go out to the Gateway community, her friends, her family and the other students that she had at the schools that she taught at in Venice and Port Charlotte. Elaine Zimmerman, may you rest in peace.
Kayla Loomis
left a message on July 31, 2024:
I am so deeply sad by this. She made me see my freshman year as I was moving to a different school that everything would be okay. "Change can be so good sometimes, and everything will be alright" I left that year and came back half way through junior year so excited to see her again and she wasn't teaching there anymore. I never got to say to her how much that conversation changed my perspective. But she knew. She was best person and saw me for me. And im saddened by this and will be at the service if provided with the dates and times. RIP MRS Z you were the BEST LOVE ALWAYS 💘 KAYLA LOOMIS CLASS OF 2011 BUT FRESHY FRESHMAN OF 2008. Much l9ve and prayers to the family ❤️❤️
Noreen (Higgins) Gale
left a message on July 31, 2024:
Marie & Robert my heart is broken for you both. Word has it she was a wonderful teacher and live her life to the fullest. My condolences to both of you. God must have needed an angel, and he pick a good one. Noreen
Candace Dabney
left a message on July 31, 2024:
To Kristin and the Zimmerman family, I’ve only met grandma a few times in her visits with Maddie and Lucas when she picked them up from daycare for special grandma time. Each time she entered my classroom I felt like she belonged…I can see where Kristin and the kiddos get their sass and politeness from. From the moment I met her I knew she was a special jewel, she and I had never met and the moment she saw me she said Thank you for helping out Matt and Kristin by hanging out with the kiddos as I know they can be a handful sometimes. I just want to send my deepest and sincerest condolences to the family and let Krisitn , Matt, and the kiddos know that I love them and am here for them. Love you guys Ms. Candace ❤️
ZACK LOUIS
left a message on July 31, 2024:
You will be deeply missed, I sent you a text message a week ago and you told me how proud you were of me because my poem got accepted by the American Library of Poetry. This would not have happened without you. As I light this candle, I want you to know that you have made a big impact on my life and you will always be remembered and deeply missed by me. May God Bless You of mentoring me. From Zack Louis
Kayla jacob
left a message on July 31, 2024:
In memory of Elaine
M.
Zimmerman, Kayla jacob lit a candle
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Jolene Hunn
left a message on October 8, 2025:
Ms. Zimmerman was a great teacher. I, as one of her former students, really loved to go to her class, and being with her was always a great time. I really don't remember any "bad" times while being in Ms. Zimmermans class. I met her at the end of 5th grade, and thought to myself "Wow, she looks like a super mean teacher. I really don't want to see her next year.". But oh boy, I was completely wrong. Ms. Zimmerman really cares for her students, and I got a hug from her every day, I also made these little origami paper fish for her, every single day. I don't really know why I did it, but I started around September and just kept doing it every day. Eventually she put them in a bowl, and that one eventually filled up, and she had to get another one. I remember her always talking about her love for the beach to us, and also her love for books. I also remember this one time when we were reading this book called "The Cay" as a class, and there was this part in the book talking about a bird called a "Blue footed Boobie", and it was just the funniest thing ever at the time, even Ms. Zimmerman was giggling. Ms. Zimmerman had to explain to us that it was a kind of bird, and not what everybody was actually thinking. One thing I really like about Ms. Zimmerman was how she never treated us like babies and was always preparing us for high school. I only had one year with her before she passed, and that was my sixth-grade year. I am now in eigth-grade, hoping to graduate from middle school soon. I hope she's proud of me, my class and how far we've come. Ms. Zimmerman always told us something (I'm not 100% sure this is exactly what she said, but it's something similar to this) about how after she passes away, before she gets into the gates of Heaven, God will ask her what she did on earth to deserve to get into Heaven, and she told us she would say something along the lines of 'teaching and dealing with children her whole life'. I've always thought that was funny and thought nothing of it, but now it's become a reality. Death is a very scary thing, and it's something that I've never been able to understand. Ms. Zimmerman was an amazing teacher, and she is one of the teachers that I will never forget.
Averly and Emily
left a message on November 5, 2024:
You will forever be missed Ms. Z. You made a huge impact on our lives. You cared about us and we love you for that. You were always there for a us and you showed that you cared. I'm sorry I missed your memorial I deeply regret it.
<3
Averly and Emily
left a message on November 5, 2024:
Ms. Zimmerman will forever be missed. You made a huge impact on our lives and we couldn't have asked for a better teacher. you were there for us Ms. Z, we love you. <3
Nicolas Valdivia
left a message on September 20, 2024:
I loved Mrs. Z. She was my teacher at St Charles. She had the greatest impact on my life and I was sad when I heard the news. Mrs. Z may you rest in eternal peace.
Tamara Nuboer
left a message on August 11, 2024:
Elaine welcomed me at Sky Academy where she taught 6th grade ELA, and I 7th grade. She was so generous with her guidance as I had never taught middle schoolers. Even though I relocated out of Florida after three years, we still stayed in touch and I miss her very much!
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Beth Harmon
left a message on August 2, 2024:
Elaine welcomed me into her classes to work with shared students who had speech and language needs as well as reading. I learned so much from her on addressing multiple communication needs and collaboration. She was always upbeat and had a special gift for working with all kinds of students and sharing that knowlege. My condolences to all her family.
Linda Louis
left a message on August 1, 2024:
You always thanked me for being a supportive parent. I always told you that teachers are no different from nurses we care for people and someone else's kids. I always promised that I would like a candle and pray for the teachers at ST Charles and I will continue to do so. Thank you for mentoring my son and always encouraging him. You will be deeply missed.
Dale Barr
left a message on August 1, 2024:
Elaine ‘ you will be missed by so many that had the privilege to be in your life ! I know you are in heaven
Next to you mom and dad ! Prayers to you beautiful daughters as they go through this difficult time !
May your spirit be close to them always !
Dale Barr
Mary Ligenza
left a message on August 1, 2024:
Dear Jessie and Kristin, very sorry to hear about your mom. She was the best. I remember all the fun things we did at Stone Mountain.
Angela Ramsey
left a message on August 1, 2024:
Thank you, Elaine, for being my mentor while I was with you at St. Charles. You will be so dearly missed. Sending my deepest condolences to all of her family. She will be the most beautiful guardian angel to all.
Nadia Clarke
left a message on August 1, 2024:
In memory of Elaine
M.
Zimmerman, Nadia Clarke lit a candle
Mike DiMauro
left a message on August 1, 2024:
Elaine was the very first teacher that I had at Gateway Regional High School because her class was the very first class of the day on my first semester schedule. Elaine is a type of teacher that would not give up on any of her students. She wanted all of her students to succeed in life. Elaine also helped me when it came to retaking the MCAS and she was the one that told me that I had passed on the second retry of the test. Elaine will be missed and my thoughts and prayers go out to the Gateway community, her friends, her family and the other students that she had at the schools that she taught at in Venice and Port Charlotte. Elaine Zimmerman, may you rest in peace.
Kayla Loomis
left a message on July 31, 2024:
I am so deeply sad by this. She made me see my freshman year as I was moving to a different school that everything would be okay. "Change can be so good sometimes, and everything will be alright" I left that year and came back half way through junior year so excited to see her again and she wasn't teaching there anymore. I never got to say to her how much that conversation changed my perspective. But she knew. She was best person and saw me for me. And im saddened by this and will be at the service if provided with the dates and times. RIP MRS Z you were the BEST LOVE ALWAYS 💘 KAYLA LOOMIS CLASS OF 2011 BUT FRESHY FRESHMAN OF 2008. Much l9ve and prayers to the family ❤️❤️
Noreen (Higgins) Gale
left a message on July 31, 2024:
Marie & Robert my heart is broken for you both. Word has it she was a wonderful teacher and live her life to the fullest. My condolences to both of you. God must have needed an angel, and he pick a good one. Noreen
Candace Dabney
left a message on July 31, 2024:
To Kristin and the Zimmerman family, I’ve only met grandma a few times in her visits with Maddie and Lucas when she picked them up from daycare for special grandma time. Each time she entered my classroom I felt like she belonged…I can see where Kristin and the kiddos get their sass and politeness from. From the moment I met her I knew she was a special jewel, she and I had never met and the moment she saw me she said Thank you for helping out Matt and Kristin by hanging out with the kiddos as I know they can be a handful sometimes. I just want to send my deepest and sincerest condolences to the family and let Krisitn , Matt, and the kiddos know that I love them and am here for them. Love you guys Ms. Candace ❤️
ZACK LOUIS
left a message on July 31, 2024:
You will be deeply missed, I sent you a text message a week ago and you told me how proud you were of me because my poem got accepted by the American Library of Poetry. This would not have happened without you. As I light this candle, I want you to know that you have made a big impact on my life and you will always be remembered and deeply missed by me. May God Bless You of mentoring me. From Zack Louis
Kayla jacob
left a message on July 31, 2024:
In memory of Elaine
M.
Zimmerman, Kayla jacob lit a candle
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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