Elizabeth Tocci
Elizabeth E. Tocci, a Chicago Gay & Lesbian Hall of Fame inductee who owned and ran Calumet City's The Patch—which became one of the oldest lesbian-owned establishments in the country—passed away Dec. 5 in her sleep.
Tocci was born on the South Side of Chicago and raised in the Pullman and Roseland areas of the city, according to the hall's website. She opened her first gay bar, the 307 Club, in 1963. She then opened The Patch in 1971.
Tocci supported various causes, including the Changing Woman Center, a counseling center for victims of domestic violence and rape; the Calumet City Resource Center; and Chicago House. She also sponsored women's sports, offering financial and moral backing for softball, basketball, flag-football and bowling teams.
Tocci's viewing will take place Friday, Dec. 10, at Thornridge Funeral Home, 15801 S. Cottage Grove, Dolton, 2-9 p.m. The funeral is set for Saturday, Dec. 11, at 11 a.m. at Thornridge; the interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 801 Michigan City Rd., Calumet City.
More information about Tocci will be posted as it becomes available.
PASSAGES
Jane Meek Zimmer
Jane Meek Zimmer, 71, born in Grosse Pointe, Mich., died in Chicago Weiss Hospital Seasons Hospice on Dec. 1 after years of stalwart living with severe COPD.
A graduate of Loyola University and NIU's Master's Program in Public Health Nursing, Zimmer enjoyed a 40+ year career, first as head nurse in OB/GYN at Northwestern, then the Infant Welfare League and then for decades with the Cook County Dept. of Public Health ( first as a staff nurse, then as supervisor of the Southwest District and finally as supervisor of West District Office ) .
A quiet and generous philanthropist, Zimmer supported many worthy causes related to world and local hunger; health and education; Catholic Charities; Planned Parenthood; the Olympics; and the arts.
In addition, she was an outstanding sailor and great nurturer of the sailing crew. She raced several Chicago/Mackinac Races ( placing second in LMYA Fleet in 1978! ) , joyously cruised all Lake Michigan many times and continued to buoy-race for years with the Midwest Open Racing Fleet, even after needing oxygen. When COPD stopped her sailing, she donated her beloved boat, "EZ Lady," to the boys and girls of the Charlevoix, Mich., Sea Scout Program. For decades she loved and participated richly in her great books studies with the University of Chicago's Basic Program. She also treasured her travels to China, Ireland and Europe.
Zimmer's parents were Stuart F. and Henrietta ( Meldrum ) Meek, both deceased. Her husband, Gene, pre-deceased her in 1982. She is survived by brother Stuart F. Meek ( Joan ) of Indio, Calif.; sister Susan M. Becker ( Ross ) of Shelby Township, Mich.; in-laws Dorothy Zimmer Fullem, Steve Traudt and Jeff Traudt ( Nancy ) ; nine nieces: Patty Meek Kloss, Susan Meek Bothwell ( Jim ) , Katherine Meek Wolf, Maribeth Meek Van Zandt ( Chris ) , Susan Fullem Hayes, Laura Fullem Chavis ( Anthony ) , and Alison, Lizzie and Molly Traudt; four nephews: James C. Becker ( Kimberly ) , David Meek, Brian R. Becker and Jim Fullem ( Sandi ) ; and many great grand-nieces and nephews.
She is also survived by her longtime partner Claudia ( Muggs ) Traudt; her spiritual foster children, Donna Ulatowski and Cung Nguyen; and many deep friends in fellowship.
A pre-Mass visitation, memorial Mass and reception will take place Saturday, Jan. 15, 2011, at 10 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 5427 S. Kimbark, in Hyde Park. In lieu of flowers, friends may make donations to Seasons Hospice at Weiss Hospital, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Illinois, the U of Chicago's Basic Program or the charity of their choice.
For information, please contact the Cremation Society of Illinois at 773-281-5058 or www.cremation-society.com .
