Rebecca Zinn
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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 memorials 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.
Becky was about to give the world her first major piece of writing. We had been corresponding these last few weeks. I am so, so sorry to learn of this untimely death of a gifted, beautiful young woman. When she was my student, I loved her questions, and her determination to “get things right.” I am so sad to think that the world has been deprived of her talent. My heart goes out to all of her family.
Clenece Hills
I am so very sorry to hear about this. My son, Ryan, went to school with Becky. I was one of the Mom’s who did volunteer work in the class room and library. She was always very sweet and polite with me, stopping to say hi and to ask about my work as an artist.
My sincere condolences to her family. She was much too young to leave this earth.
I am so sorry to hear this. I was hoping to see Becky at the class reunion in September. My prayers are with you. The loss of a child is devastating whether you are expecting it or not. I have great memories of grade school we were brownies then girl scouts,junior high,and high school.May God send the comforter in you time of sorrow. Love, Lashaun
I’m so sorry for your loss. I have great memories of Becky during our Yeats at south junior high. She was a year ahead of me in school but we participated in sports together and I looked up to her. She was a precious sole. God be with her and you and yours in this difficult time.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Zinn family. Becky will always be loved by many. She was a friend to everyone. My heart is saddened that she has passed. While I know she is in a better place, she will be missed. I will always have my memories from Broken Arrow through LHS and beyond. May God comfort and keep you during this difficult time.
My thoughts and prayers to the Zinn family. So very sorry for your loss.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Zinn family. So very sorry.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Becky was a joy to teach – always smiling and happy! Hearing that she was writing doesn’t surprise me. She always gave so much to those priviledged to know her!
Becky was in the same class as my son, Kelly Miller. I remember her as a truly golden child–bright, pretty, polite. May your best memories of her help sustain your family through this untimely loss.
My sincerest condolences to Becky’s family and friends. She was truly a sparkling individual and she will be missed greatly.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. So very sorry to learn of you loss.
So sad to hear the news and my heart and prayers go out to the Zinn family in their loss. Becky was such a great friend whom I knew since kindergarten. We enjoyed school, sports, and even writing camp together. I also have fond memories of babysitting jobs together and fun times at the Zinn house. Becky was a beautiful person and will be dearly miss by the many that had the great fortune of knowing her.
All I want to do is be up there standing in honor of this beautiful precious friend. My heart is sad and I love Becky and her family deeply. As one of my dearest and best friends, I know Becky would smile at these remembering of the woman, student and friend she was. She is at peace and loved deeply in her time on this earth by this friend. To my Zinn family, you know I loved her and will hold her fondly forever and she will stay with me as a handprint on my heart.
I remember with pleasure our time as neighbors on Arkansas St. It was delightful watching all the little ones grow up including Becky. Please know how sorry I am. My heart goes out to all of you.
Suzy
My prayers go out to her family. Rebecca will be missed, she was so passionate about everything! Please let me know of any services.
becky was a wonderful person and will be remembered as such.so sorry for the loss of such a caring individual.I will be thinking of your family through this difficult time.
We were very sorry to hear about your loss and send our love and prayers to your family at this time.
Dear D&D:
We are thinking positive thoughts for you & your family in this most difficult time!
Love to you & all of yours!
TIM & JAN
Becky was such a wonderful person. We had some great times playing sports together at SJH and having many slumber parties. I am so sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers reach out to the Zinn family. Love ya Becky RIP!
I never knew Becky, but I can see she was a wonderful young lady. My heart goes out to you all. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Dick and Diane . . . with profound sadness we learned of your loss. Please accept our condolences.
Jim called this morning and told me about Becky. We are so sorry. We know that God has a way of healing and words from loved ones can help. May you rely on Him and He will help you all. We are thinking about you and as a family we hope it helps.
Bill & Marcia
To the family of Rebecca Leigh Zinn from an NU alumni, my sincerest condolences for the passing of your loved one, and as you grieve may God who gives comfort to all comfort you and your family in your time of need as spoken of at 2 Corinthians 1:3
I had several classes with Becky in high school. She was a very sweet and lovely person. You family will be in my prayers.
Mr. and Mrs. Zinn,
My heart hurts for you in your deep loss. I had recently caught up with Becky on Facebook. I have fond memories of our times together, particularly through basketball. May God comfort you in the way that only he can.
With love,
Erin McElwain Hellmuth
We are so sorry for your loss. Becky is in our thoughts and prayers. We wish you peace in the days to come.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Rebecca and to the Zinn family. We are so sorry for this terrible loss. May fond memories and the support of family and friends help you in this time of mourning.
I am thinking of you, her family and remembering a sunshine girl, from way back when. I am so sorry for your loss.
Dick and Diane, I’m so sorry for your loss. The loss of a child is just never easy. May your wonderful memories be with you in these difficult days.
We are very sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you.
Dear Dick and Diane, We are so, so saddened to hear about Becky’s death and send you our love and support. Judy & Wylie
Dianne and Dick,
We are thinking of you and your beautiful family. You have given so much to this community and please know that there are many of us who want to support you at this very difficult time. Please accept our sympathy…we are so sorry for your loss.
My prayers and thoughts go out to the Zinn Family. I never met Becky but know she had a special, creative soul. She had a wonderful family and I’m so sorry you are suffering at this time.