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.