Search by Name

Search by Name

Rebecca Zinn Obituary

Rebecca Leigh Zinn, 37, passed away peacefully and unexpectedly June 29, 2012. She was born August 5, 1974, the daughter of Richard and Diane Zinn.

A bold, loving, energetic child, she graduated from Lawrence High School in 1992. She was active in many areas of school life, was a member of the National Honor Society, the Girls' State Basketball Championship Team, and was named a Kansas Honors Scholar.

She graduated from Northwestern University in 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature. At Northwestern, she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority, and a volunteer for Teach for America.

She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Lawrence.

Rebecca lived in Denver for several years where she was employed by Quark Inc. She returned to Lawrence because of medical issues and has been pursuing a career in creative writing, including her first novel. Writing has been her passion since she was old enough to print; meaningful journals and papers witness her thoughts and feelings. Her hobbies were playing the piano and knitting.

Survivors include her parents, an older sister Lauri O'Connor, her husband Brion, and their daughters Maddi and Brynne, South Hamilton, MA; an older brother Robert L. Zinn, his wife Kate, and their daughters Emma and Olivia, Bolton, MA; a younger sister Jennifer Woodhead, her husband Jamie and their children Tommy, Lauren, and Kristen, Pelham, NH; one uncle, two aunts, and many cousins. She was predeceased by her loving uncle, Steven Zinn, next to whom she will be inurned.

Private family services are pending.

The family suggests memorial to Just Food, Inc. of Douglas County or to the Lawrence Arts Center for its creative writing programs and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Online condolences may be sent to www.warrenmcelwain.com

Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Jul. 2, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Rebecca Zinn

Not sure what to say?





Erin Tuttle

July 16, 2012

My prayers are with the Zinn family during this difficult time.

Carol Khoury

July 11, 2012

The news of Rebecca's death stunned me! I had Rebecca many years ago as a student at 1st Presbyterian Pre-School and can vividly recall her smile and her giggle. She was so excited talking about her brother's "skinny pigs" (guinea pigs). What a hole this must leave in your hearts. I'm truly sorry.

Carol Khoury

Elaine and Larry McCullough

July 10, 2012

Dear Diane,Dick and family,
We were so sorry to hear of Rebecca's passing from this life.
May God surround you with comfort and sweet memories to sustain you in this sorrow.

July 10, 2012

Mr. Zinn and family,
So sorry to learn of this huge sadness in your family. Our hearts reach out to you in deepest sympathy. We lost a 2 year old daughter in 1982. Although we share similar feelings, I'm sure there are differences.

Norman Beeghley

Gwen & Family

July 9, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Zinn family and friends left behind. May God "surround and comfort" you during this time of sorrow. Ps. 71:21

Our deepest sympathy,

Elizabeth Eberle

July 9, 2012

I too was a classmate and sorority sister of Rebecca's. I will always remember going over to her fun, off-campus apartment for dinners and tailgating at NU football games. I am deeply moved and saddened by her passing. My love to Rebecca's family. May you find strength from the outpouring of love of her many friends. Love, Elizabeth Lang Eberle

Christine McKinney

July 8, 2012

I knew Rebecca at Northwestern and, sadly, lost touch with her after graduation. I am so saddened to hear of her passing and send my deepest condolences to her family.
Keeping you and Rebecca in my thoughts and prayers.

Brittany Olsen

July 8, 2012

I have such warm and happy memories of my friendship with Rebecca. She was always so upbeat and easy to talk to, not to mention beautiful both inside and out. We spent a spring break together in Jamaica, and I will always remember her as that happy, smiling, energetic Rebecca. My prayers are with your entire family. With love, Brittany (Harder) Olsen

Lichelle Dillehay-Fuchs

July 8, 2012

I am so sorry to hear the news of Becky's passing. I will always remember how she would try to cut through my backyard to get to school. (I lived on Missouri Street and she lived on Arkansas Street.)My prayers and condolences.

Speed tittmann Wightman

July 6, 2012

Diane and Dick, How sad to reconnect with college roommates and friends with such sad news. I send love and prayers to you and all your family and look forward to talking when it's good for you. Blessings to all.

Joshua Stanley

July 5, 2012

I will never forget you, Rebecca. You will always have a special place in my heart, and I know you are in a better place now. I love you, "Big Sister", and I never forget the time that I was blessed to have you in my life. Rest peacefully, sweetheart...you deserve it. Thinking of you each and everyday that goes by.

Claudia and Dale Flory

July 5, 2012

Our deepest sympathy to all of the Zinn family at this difficult time. We are thinking of you.

Tracy Rose-Myers

July 4, 2012

My deepest sympathy to the entire Zinn family and friends. She will be missed and her mark that she left on this world...was deep. For that we are thankful. God Bless.

sean plumlee

July 4, 2012

You will be greatly missed, sweet lady! It's heartbreaking knowing you're not with us anymore. You were a talented, beautiful person...xo

July 4, 2012

Mr.Zinn and family, we are sorry to hear of your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you - Serena Samuels Anderson and Dan Samuels

Laura Mullin Rogers

July 3, 2012

To the Zinn family,
Becky was such a kind soul. I had lost touch with her throughout the years after South and LHS but reconnected with her a couple years ago through work. She will be dearly missed. My prayers and condolences to your family at this time.

Darin and Shannon White

July 3, 2012

Becky, we will miss you, your wonderful smile and infectious laugh. It was great growing up with you in the neighborhood, South Jr. High and Lawrence High. Prayers for your family during this difficult time.
Much Love,

Larie Slifer

July 3, 2012

Becky, you will forever be missed. I will always remember the smile and the great spirit you carried with you. I love you friend.

Zinn Family, you all are in my prayers. I am sorry for the loss. May God be with you during this time, and may he fill your hearts with love and joy of the memories of Rebecca.

Much love to you all

July 3, 2012

We are so terribly sorry for your loss and are praying for your family.

Trent and Karen Flory

July 3, 2012

We are so terribly sorry for your loss and are praying for your family.

July 3, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss of Becky. I am praying for all of you to find peace with her passing. I love you all!
Amy Lienhard

John McClacherty

July 2, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss. My heart and prayers go out to all of the Zinn family.

Jennifer Marshall

July 2, 2012

I am so sorry to hear the news of Becky's passing. I always remember her bright smile and beautiful spirit. My prayers and condolences.

John Mulhall

July 2, 2012

To the Zinn Family,

I am heartbroken to learn of Becky's passing. I only knew her as "Lauri's little sister" while we were at St. Lawrence together. Becky was a cutie -a cheerful, darling girl who was clearly a very special member of your family. Although time and distance have separated us, I recall how close you all were. I imagine that your collective memories are filled with many wonderfully happy moments with her. No doubt she will be missed, but she will always be close by in your hearts. The Mulhall Family's thoughts and prayers are with each of you.

Robyn Nichols

July 2, 2012

Zinn family, I am so terribly sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Lisa Hill

July 2, 2012

Mr and Mrs Zinn, Lauri and family, I will always remember Becky for her beauty both inside and out. Loved seeing her at St. Lawrence outings and of course at Lauri and Brion's wedding. My thoughts are with you all this week and always,
Lisa
xo

Lauri Zinn-O'Connor

July 2, 2012

I'll carry the music of your love, laughter and spirit and in my heart forever. I Love you.

July 2, 2012

Valerie Foos and Kelly Miller wish to express their sadness about Becky's passing from this world. We both remember her with fondness and admiration for her outstanding abilities. The best parts of her will always remain in all of our hearts.

Amy Conway

July 2, 2012

I will always remember her smile, it would light up the room. My sincere condolences to the family and her dear friends.

Kelli Kennedy

July 2, 2012

I have memories of school, volleyball, and sleepovers. We shared so many laughs and giggles. She was an amazing spirit and will be missed unconditionally. So sorry to hear about this loss.

Ryan Friesen

July 2, 2012

So sorry to hear this news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Showing 1 - 31 of 31 results

Memorial Events
for Rebecca Zinn

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Rebecca's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Rebecca Zinn's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more