||| FROM LESLIE BRAZEAU |||
Longtime Orcas islander, Liceria “Ting” Zimmerman departed this earth on June 28. She will be deeply missed by all who shared the honor of her friendship and the gift of her life stories. Ting’s beloved husband and life adventure partner, Tom Zimmerman, predeceased her in 2015.
Born into the prominent Montelibano family of Negros Island, Philippines, Ting was especially close with her father. They shared a lively curiosity and interest in the workings of the world. A distinguished politician and industrialist, Ting’s father received numerous awards for his heroic service as a resistance leader during WWII.
While attending an embassy function, Ting met her match. Tom Zimmerman, a marine embassy guard, was awestruck at meeting Ting. He knew immediately that he had met his soul mate. Ting and Tom married and moved to California where Tom finished up his marine corps career in El Toro in 1957. They moved to Pasadena where Tom opened donut shops with partners. Ting got a job as secretary to the president of a local bank. Having learned much about banking from her father, Ting’s boss couldn’t believe his good fortune in having an assistant who could hold her own in the all-male boardroom.
In 1965 Tom graduated from Woodbury University, sold the donut shops and followed his passion for foreign trade. He operated several businesses in the Philippines, primarily furniture exports to the U.S. and Europe. Happily all the foreign trade led to many years of travel and adventure for Ting and Tom. They loved discovering the world together, experiencing different cultures, ideas and making friends wherever they went.
Eventually, Ting and Tom made their way back to the food business and California. They opened several taquerias, a restaurant and a bar in San Francisco, while living on their boat docked in Sausalito.
After several years in San Francisco, Ting and Tom migrated to the Northwest with their boat looking for the ideal place to buy property and build their dream home. This led them to Orcas Island where Tom built their beautiful home near Olga.
Without Tom, the house high up on the hill was a lot for Ting to manage on her own. While Ting was initially unsure about having a housemate, Douglas was meant to be. Douglas respected Ting’s independent nature, while making sure Ting and her Norwegian elkhound, Juno, had everything they needed. Over time a deep friendship and love grew between the two. Douglas’ buoyant spirit and thoughtfulness made the house on the hill a cheerful home, with much laughter and camaraderie.
Great lady, sorry to hear of her passing! She was a lover of sunflowers & a beautiful soul.
Ting and Tom were wonderful neighbors for our little community here on Roehls Hill over the last two decades. Both were generous and caring souls. They are greatly missed.