Betty Zillmann

Obituary

Betty Carol (Northrop) Zillmann
December 25, 1941 – May 21, 2025

Betty Carol Zillmann passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 21, 2025, and went to heaven. She was predeceased by her beloved parents, Melville E. “Mel” Northrop (d. 12/17/2013) and Madeline “Midge” Northrop (d. 4/16/2016); her husband of 51 years, Martin T. Zillmann (d. 4/13/2015); and her cherished grandson, Alexander Helmut Martin Breidenstein (d. 11/17/2023).

She is survived by her sister Joanne Tyson (Clyde), daughters Heidi Breidenstein (Peter) and Heather Harris (David); grandchildren Peter Z. Breidenstein (Erin), Benjamin Breidenstein, Hunter Harris, Summer Harris, and Hudson Harris (Megan); and great-granddaughters Avery and Eve. She is also survived by her later life partner Bruce Richardson, her “adopted sons” Andreas Grewe (Claudia), Roberto Mangone (Ankę), and Stephan Hostettler, as well as cousins, nieces, nephews, and a treasured circle of friends who were as close as family.

Betty was born in Rochester, NY, where she grew up surrounded by family and actively involved in the Congress Avenue Bible Chapel in Rochester. Her father was one of the founders of Camp Li-Lo-Li, a name Betty created herself—an abbreviation of her winning entry in a church naming contest: “Life, Love, Light.”

She attended West Suburban Hospital School of Nursing in Oak Park Illinois, where she studied nursing and developed a lifelong passion for understanding the human body. During this time, she met Martin Zillmann through a local youth group. After graduation, she returned to Rochester to begin her career at Rochester General Hospital. Martin soon followed, and they were married on September 7, 1963.

Betty quickly rose to become head nurse of East 5 at Rochester General, renowned for her keen diagnostic skills—often surpassing even the residents on her floor. Her talents and dedication inspired her to pursue further education, and she was among the first in the country to graduate as a Physician Assistant before later becoming a Nurse Practitioner. Betty was instrumental in establishing the first clinic serving underserved communities in Rochester. She continued to work in various leadership roles at Rochester General, always maintaining her personal commitment to patient care, seeing patients at least twice a week—her greatest professional passion. Betty received several awards for her work at Rochester General and her work in the Rochester community.

Outside of work, Betty was a lover of the outdoors and adventure. She and Martin were known for their legendary camping and hiking trips in the Adirondacks, as well as canoeing local waterways. She was a master of open-fire cooking and famously brewed egg coffee that became a family favorite. Betty took up skiing later in life, passing that love on to her daughters and grandchildren.

Travel was another of Betty’s great joys. She often attended medical conferences in locations she longed to explore, combining her thirst for learning with her curiosity about the world. One such trip to Cape Cod sparked a family tradition of summer vacations there that continues to this day. Betty was camping there as recently as summer of 2024. Other memorable journeys included Switzerland, Germany, Park City, and Bar Harbor, always shared with loved ones whenever possible.

Betty had a gift for making people feel welcome. Her home was always open—to neighbors, friends, and the many foreign exchange students who became like sons to her. She delighted in their visits and updates, whether weekly or every few years.

After moving to Honeoye in 1996, Betty hosted countless gatherings by the pond—especially on Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day. Later, winters spent in Estero, Florida, brought more memories with family and friends.

Following Martin’s passing, Betty found companionship and joy again with Bruce Richardson. Together for the past eight years, Betty and Bruce shared countless adventures—from Cape Cod to Florida, volunteer work at Rotary Camp Onseyawa, and visits to family near and far. They were inseparable.

Even in her final months, Betty remained active and spirited—joining friends for dominoes, local plays, and shopping trips, always eager for one more adventure.

A Celebration of Life will be held this summer to honor Betty and is open to all friends and family. Details to follow.