In Memoriam

Gail Enid Zimmer – NIADA Patron
July 10, 1942 ~ August 4, 2022

by Gracie Coleman, Director, Patrons & Associates

Gail Enid Zimmer, NIADA Patron (Honorary) of Fairlawn, New Jersey joined NIADA in 1977. On August 4, 2022, this long-serving, and valued member of the NIADA family passed away after a lengthy illness.

I never met Gail in-person and knew her only through her forthright messages via the NIADA Chatlines, that educated newer members, praised NIADA on its accomplishments; and on occasion, chided NIADA if she thought past mistakes were being repeated. “It’s déjà vu”, she’d often say, and with 45 years of institutional memory, she was an expert. Her comments sometimes aroused my curiosity about her as a person, often informed me about NIADA’s history, and provided interesting information on a variety of art topics. I was very impressed when Gail wrote that due to her health condition, she was bedridden and typing the messages with one finger! That’s commitment and determination — a true testament of her dedication to NIADA. The direct and knowledgeable way she rendered her messages garnered my respect over the years, because they showed her obvious passion and desire to see the organization flourish.

Gail enjoyed world travel and adventure beginning at a early age. After earning her master’s degree in library science, she got her first job at the Donnell Library in New York City. She later moved to Fair Lawn, New Jersey to start her career as a reference librarian. Her interest in dolls and the artists who create them, took her to countries in Asia, Africa and other nations around the globe.

Gail was an avid collector who amassed a vast number of dolls over the years. She contributed to articles in numerous doll magazines and publications promoting and creating awareness about NIADA. Utilizing her special skills as a resource librarian, Gail frequently provided cultural information to artists for their use in creating dolls.

Gail retired after 43 years as a reference librarian at the Maurice Pine Library at age 70. Though bedridden from advanced Parkinson’s, Gail maintained an interest in cultural events around the world and in recent times she participated in some of NIADA’s monthly zoom get-togethers as well as last year’s virtual business meeting.

Some of the NIADA members who knew Gail shared the following insights:
“Gail Enid Zimmer had a passion for art dolls. She was passionate about other things in her life too: other art forms, books, writing, and research. She was especially passionate about NIADA. She was an active Patron Member for many years, and even after illness prevented her from coming to conferences anymore, she contributed to discussions among members and to our education on subjects she knew we would be interested in by sharing articles, websites, and pictures with us through her emails.

Gail was a patron in every sense of the word. She collected work by NIADA artists and other artists around the world. She cherished opportunities to get to know artists she admired. She would talk about NIADA to everyone within her reach, even recruiting, encouraging artists who were not aware of us to get interested in our organization. Her reach used to be far. She liked to travel. Gail seemed to approach her passions in a scholarly manner. She kept looking for more information and more pictures to share right up until her passing. She will be gratefully remembered by the NIADA family for her intelligence and her passion.” Shelley Thornton – Artist – Lincoln, NE

“She worked diligently to give NIADA exposure in the arts and crafts community. Gail loved and supported NIADA, even after she was unable to join us in person. She will be missed.” Juanita Zientara – Patron – Arlington, VA

“Gail sent emails to me and many artists with links to articles that we might enjoy that were particular to what she thought we had an interest in. I received articles about costuming, Japan and Jewish life. She also connected me to a genealogist who helped me find out about my grandmother.” Stephanie Blythe, Artist – San Anselmo, CA

“Back in the day, I’d see and talk to her often at NIADA events. Smart and passionate about dolls, and lovely to talk to.” Louise Fecher, Patron – Tuckahoe, NY

“I became quite fond of Gail over the years. I also admired her ability to cope, with a degree of happiness and humor, despite the really tough cards life dealt her. I used to get regular emails from Gail, mostly about ethnic dolls that she thought I’d be interested in, particularly dolls from India. She also sent commentary on New York exhibitions and related art articles. She retained her sharp intelligence to the end.” Luella Mossom, Artist – Hartbeespoort, South Africa

“Gail was a mainstay and strong voice in NIADA. I admired her greatly and am grateful to have shared the passion for figurative arts that she had and championed for so many years. I see her surrounded by all her loved ones, including her dolls.” Catherine Valentine – Patron, San Francisco, CA