Constance Gelder Zima

Constance Gelder Zima, 98, died peacefully on Monday, September 23, 2024 at Brethren Village where she lived since early 2000. Known as Connie to her friends and ‘Mikey’ to her grandchildren and great grandchildren, she was born in Lancaster, PA, and a longtime resident of Manheim. She was the daughter of the late Richard Douglas and Beatrice Alice (Taylor) Gelder. 

Connie was a graduate of Manheim High School, Philadelphia Episcopal School of Nursing (R.N.), and Millersville University (B.S. Education). She worked in Obstetrics for over 25 years with Lancaster General Hospital. Connie also worked at Family and Children Service of Lancaster and Masonic Homes of Elizabethtown. 

After retiring Connie volunteered at North Museum, Lancaster County Library, Brethren Village and many others. Connie also volunteered at Hospice for 13 years. She enjoyed traveling and visited England, Russia, and Iceland. She especially loved being at the beach on Long Beach Island with her family. Connie was a voracious reader, enjoyed classical music and the theater, and was interested in people. She enjoyed her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Surviving are three children: Pamm (Wilson) wife of Michael Studney, of Fort Mill, SC; Doug husband of Joyce Wilson, of Charlotte, NC; and Chris Wilson of Butler, PA; 6 grandchildren: Christopher (Erin) Studney, Andrew (Valerie) Studney and Matthew (Michele) Studney, Jennifer Wilson Flanagan, Bryan (Samantha) Wilson, and Dameon (Joleen) Wilson; and 14 great grandchildren. Preceding her in death was her brother Douglas Gelder.

At Connie’s request, services will be private at the convenience of the family. 

The family thanks the staff of Brethren Village and the staff and volunteers of Hospice for their excellent care. Contributions in Connie’s memory may be sent to Brethren Village, 3001 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543 or Hospice & Community Care, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125.