Barbara Zima

Barbara Zima passed away peacefully April 24, 2026 at the age of 104.  She is survived by two children, Carolyn Howson and David Zima; her son-in-law, Robert Howson, and daughter-in-law, Cindy Zima; granddaughters, Alyssa Zima (Khoa Nguyen) and Charissa Zima; and great-grandchildren, Luke Jonathan and Grace Nguyen; and cousins, nieces and nephews. 

Preceded in death by husband Jack Zima; parents Herbert and Una Miles; sister, Jean Froid, and son, Jonathan.

Barbara embraced her long life and cherished family and friends along the way.  Her childhood memories in Minneapolis were precious to her even through the Great Depression.   Being close to her Grandma Miles was especially meaningful and influential in her spiritual growth as a young Seventh-day Adventist Christian.  She excelled in secretarial skills during high school and was able to use those skills throughout her adult life in various settings that God provided for her.  Her strong work ethic and ability to multi-task were a good combination as a secretary to five principals at Hinsdale Adventist Academy from 1967-1987.   

Being a mother was the most important role of Barbara’s life.  She and Jack were a team and each had a role to play.  Her children knew they were loved.  Hands on parenting included working, playing, practicing, studying, and worshipping together.  

Barbara enjoyed going to Lake Superior with her family in the ‘40s through the ‘60s while living in Minnesota.  Later, she was able to take trips out West to visit her children and grandchildren and went to Mexico and Denmark as well as trips out East with her children.  But she was always happy to get home.  Working in her yard and keeping up her home was satisfying to her.

Friends were like family to her.  Church friends in recent years have brought her much joy when they visited.  Health challenges over the last few years have slowed Barbara down, but her faith has not faltered and her sense of humor and humble acceptance was genuine.  She will be remembered for putting others before herself and appreciating the simple but meaningful things in life.

A graveside service will be held at Sunset Memorial Park in Minneapolis, MN. Memorial Service will be held Sunday July 12th 2026 2:00pm at Hinsdale Seventh Day Adventist Church 201 N Oak St. Hinsdale, IL

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be sent to Hinsdale Adventist Academy in support of Christian education.

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