Marcia M. Zimmerman, 89, of Freeport, IL, passed away Monday January 19, 2026, at FHN Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. She was born March 4, 1936, in Lena, IL, the daughter of H. Leo and Helen (Gentz) Hayes. During childhood, her family moved from Lena to Freeport. Marcia attended Freeport area schools. As a young adult, she worked at the hospital in dietary, as a switchboard operator at the telephone company, and was also a farm wife in rural Shannon, IL. Upon moving to Mt. Morris, she worked for Kable printing for many years. In the mid 70’s, she began working for Micro Switch until her retirement in 1998. Her hobbies included reading, puzzles, playing cards (especially solitaire), crocheting, genealogy, and learning about different cultures and areas. Her great adventure was when she fulfilled her life-long dream of traveling to England and Scotland with her sister Barb. Most of all, Marcia enjoyed spending time with her family, and she took great pride in how close her children have remained to this day.

She is survived by her 5 children and 12 grandchildren; son Mark (Shari) Zimmerman of Roanoke, VA, and their children Aaron, Nathan, and Joshua; daughter Deborah Zimmerman of Forreston, IL, and her children Miranda, Brandon, and Tamarah; son Mike (Evelyn) Zimmerman of Freeport, IL, and their children Chris and Josh; daughter Teresa (Brian) Ogg of New Braunfels, TX, and their children Taylor and Katie; and daughter Melissa Dickens of Freeport, IL, and her children Brianna and Drew. Also surviving are 15 great-grandchildren and her special niece Linda Kilmer.

Preceding Maricia in death are her parents, son Timothy James, grandson Andrew Mark, brother Donald, and two sisters Joyce and Barbara.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Cremation rites have been accorded, and her cremated remains will be interred with her son Timothy James at Cranes Groves Cemetery. A memorial has been established in her memory.