Stanley John Zima

STANLEY JOHN ZIMA (1941-2025)

The family of Stan Zima announces his peaceful passing on December 24, 2025, while on his way to Christmas Eve Mass with his wife Mariann. A retired teacher, history buff, and avid outdoorsman, Stan lived a life rooted in faith, family, and community.

He leaves behind Mariann, his loving wife of 58 years, along with daughters Janice (Sorel) and Krista (Stacey), and his cherished grandchildren, Reese, Tristan, and Sofia. He will be dearly missed by his sister Malle and brother-in-law Wendell, his brother Jerry and sister-in-law Joan, and their families.

Born in Kirkland Lake, Stan, known affectionately as "Stosh," formed lifelong friendships and carried a deep love for his northern roots throughout his life. He earned his way through school picking blueberries, delivering papers, and working deep underground as a gold miner during his university summer breaks. An enthusiastic listener and collector of stories, Stan authored two books capturing the memories of his hometown community. After moving to North Bay with Mariann in 1968, Stan taught for many years in the business department at Widdifield Secondary School. He is remembered as a kind and thoughtful educator by past students.

After graduating from St. Patrick's College (University of Ottawa), a trip to Europe with his mother Sophia connected Stan with extended family in Poland and sparked a lifelong love of travel. This passion was shared with Mariann and his children, as he delighted in learning about local history, cultures, lifestyles, and cuisine wherever they went. In the 1980s, Stan sponsored newcomers to Canada and remained close throughout his life with some of those he welcomed.

Stan embraced life fully and actively. He enjoyed hiking, curling, skiing, hosting friends and family at his Tilden Lake cottage, picking blueberries, savoring his wife's famous blueberry pie for breakfast, early mornings with pals at the local diner, fishing and sports with his grandchildren and nephews, and volunteering with the Knights of Columbus. After his family, Stan's greatest commitment was to his faith, which guided and grounded him throughout his life. His family is forever grateful to have had Stan as our husband, dad and Dziadziu.

Friends and family may join us for visitation at Hillside Funeral Services, 362 Airport Road, North Bay on Thursday, January 1, 2026 from 2:00-4:00 PM and from 7:00-9:00 PM.  The Funeral mass will be celebrated at the Pro- Cathedral of the Assumption on Friday, January 2, 2026 at 10:00 am.

In keeping with Stan's deep faith and commitment to his church, the family will gratefully appreciate donations to the Pro-Cathedral of the Assumption Roof Campaign.