Lorna Etta Jimerson (née Zeitlin)

April 6, 1945 – July 27, 2025

Lorna Etta Jimerson, 80, of Charlotte, Vermont, passed away peacefully at home on July 27, 2025. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Robert Jimerson; daughters Amber, Katrina, and Becky; sons-in-law Todd Smith and Mike Minchin; six grandchildren; and her beloved dog, Willow. She was predeceased by her parents, Ruth and Israel Zeitlin, and her brother, Mark Zeitlin.

Born in Philadelphia, Lorna earned degrees from the University of Pennsylvania; California State University, Long Beach (M.A. in Psychology); and the University of Vermont (Ed.D.). She engaged in researching school choice, rural education, and equity. Her compassion made her a superb therapist, and while working at the Counseling Service of Addison County she helped develop an innovative in-home approach to supporting struggling families.

An avid lifelong learner, Lorna taught in the classroom, supported her own children's learning at home, and brought that same dedication to her community through advocacy. Elected to the Charlotte School Board, she advanced into a leadership role, also serving on the Champlain Valley Union High School Board and representing her district to the Vermont State School Board. She worked tirelessly to ensure every child had the opportunity to learn and thrive.

Her public service extended beyond education. Lorna volunteered for Madeline Kunin's historic gubernatorial campaign and championed environmental conservation, women's rights, and public media.

Outside of her professional and civic commitments, Lorna enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren—whether on the slopes of Mad River, sledding in the backyard, or hiking through the forest. Her passions also included coaxing both vegetables and flowers from Vermont's finicky soil and weather, spending time with barn animals and her large dogs, pursuing endless knitting projects, listening to Bob Dylan, and savoring Ben & Jerry's ice cream. She will be remembered not only for her accomplishments, but also for her warmth, wit, and the way she made others feel loved, valued, and heard.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Vermont Land Trust or Vermont Public/NPR.