Irene Valarie (Gifford) Zimmerman, age 88, of Marienville PA, passed away peacefully and surrounded by loving family on Wednesday, February 17, 2016, at her home in Marienville. She was born on April 30, 1927, to the late James L. and Bessie Irene (Fuller) Gifford, in Emerickville, PA. On October 8, 1947, she married the love of her life, Ellsworth A. Zimmerman, in Ridgway, PA. Primarily throughout her life she was a homemaker that loved taking care of her family. She is a member of the Marienville United Methodist Church. Irene and Ellsworth loved to travel and go camping together. They spent several winters in Florida and would enjoy some occasional golf while they were there. She enjoyed bowling earlier in life as well as crocheting when she was able to do so. She kept up her beautiful flower gardens which gave her the opportunity to enjoy being outside. When Ellsworth would go fishing, she loved just being out on the boat with him. She loved many things and enjoyed life, but the most important aspect of her life was her family. She loved them all and looked forward to memory making occasions like holidays and family picnics. Irene is survived by 1 son, John (Peggy J.) Zimmerman of Milton, PA; 2 daughters, Sandra (Tom) Jaques of Lancaster, PA; Susan (Archie) Kelley of Renovo, PA; 1 sister, Dorothy (the late "Jimmy") Stormer of Indiana, PA; 1 sister-in-law, Twila Gifford of Emerickville, PA; 6 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren, with an 8th on the way. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by 2 brothers, James Gifford and Harold (Mary) Gifford. Family and friends will be received on Friday, February 19, 2016, from 2-4pm and 6-8pm, at the McKinney - d'Argy Funeral Home, 345 Main St., Brookville PA, 15825. A second visitation will take place on Saturday, February 20, 2016, from 10-11am at the Marienville United Methodist Church, 121 N. Forest St., Marienville, PA 16239. A funeral service will immediately follow the second visitation, beginning at 11am, with Pastor Daniel G. Richter officiating. Interment will take place at North Forest Cemetery in Marienville, PA. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Marienville United Methodist Church. Online condolences and other information may be found at www.mckinneydargy.com