Virginia Beach – Dr. Margaret Ruth Carson Zimmerman passed away peacefully in her home on November 26, 2025, in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Born in Toronto on December 1, 1936, Dr. Zimmerman’s life was defined by service and intellect. After graduating from The University of Western Ontario in Canada, Margaret moved to the United States and received a commission in the United States Army, serving as an administrator, logistician, and company commander. There she met her husband Jay H. Zimmerman and ultimately was selected for Major before giving birth to their first child.
Following her military service, Margaret worked as a magazine editor, while pursuing her Ph.D. in psychology at Old Dominion University. As a graduate student, she joined the faculty at Virginia Wesleyan College, where she served as a respected tenured professor for 23 years.
Outside of the office, Dr. Zimmerman served on the Institutional Review Board at Eastern Virginia Medical School, volunteered at the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, was an avid hiker, and studied ballet.
Dr. Zimmerman is survived by her husband, Jay; her daughter, Nicole; and her son, Michael. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, former students, and community.
The family requests donations be made to the Virginia Aquarium’s Stranding Response Program, which was so close to her heart.