Obituary of Catherine Margaret Chalmers

Catherine Margaret Chalmers (nee Zotynia), passed away peacefully late evening of Friday, April 17th, 2020 surrounded by the love of her family. Catherine known to many as ‘Cookie’ (nicknamed by her beloved father) was born May 4, 1938 to William (Bill) and Margaret June Zotynia (nee Beeman). Catherine is predeceased by her parents. Cookie was the eldest daughter of eleven children. Sister and loving caregiver to her younger siblings: Frank, Dolores, Mary Ann, Margaret (Maggie), Alfred, Alec, David, Walter, and the late Joyce (Joy), and William C (aka Billie). Cookie enjoyed sharing countless fond memories of growing up in Jersey City with her large and extended family. Cookie married the love of her life, Sydney Yuille Chalmers, in June 1960. They had three children, daughters, Margaret Grace and Mary Catherine, and son, Sydney John (Syd). Devoted wife and mother, Cookie was a hard-working woman, who managed to find the time to work, raise her family, volunteer, and enjoy various school and sporting events. Throughout the years, Cookie worked at Tetley, Howmet Turbine and Sears and was loved by many of her work friends. Cookie enjoyed countless activities that included reading mystery novels, cross word puzzles, crocheting, gardening, baking (she made a mean Chocolate Chip cookie), listening to country music and always enjoyed a good polka. She loved spending time with her pets, especially her beloved Shih Tzu, Charlie, seven grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. Cookie was especially proud of her family's military service involving Army (husband Sydney and son Syd), Marine Corps (grandsons Jeremy, Brandon and Stone), and Navy (grandson Myles). Not a day will pass without thinking and remembering Cookie. She will be greatly missed by her husband of 59 years, Sydney (whom she fondly referred to as ‘Bill’); children Margaret (Stephen), Mary (Doug) and Syd (Stacey) and her many grandchildren: Mary Catherine (Jeremy), Michael, Myles, Jade, Brandon, Stone and Hanna; and her great grandchildren; Leah, Mason and Jake, as well as her extended family and friends. Our family would like to thank the devoted staff on Unit 2 D of Morris View Healthcare Center. Cookie was adored and shown great kindness throughout her stay at the nursing home. Cookie made many friends and enjoyed the companionship and love of the residents and their families, who filled her life with many days of happiness. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) One of many countless decorations and pictures that surrounded Cookie was a magazine clipping she had taken the time to frame many years ago. Humble words that she held dear and close to her heart; "The real things haven't changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures; and have courage when things go wrong.” -Laura Ingalls Wilder The Chalmers family is concerned about the well-being of those they love and care about. Funeral Services will be private at this time. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date, where family and friends can gather and share fond memories of Cookie. We ask that you please keep Margaret's family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Arrangements are under the care of Dangler Funeral Home, Morris Plains.