Frances Marie Zink

Frances Marie Zink, age 62, died peacefully on January 2, 2025, with her sisters present. Fran lived life with joy as she lightened the hearts of everyone she met with her smile, upbeat charm and delightful personality. Born on May 13, 1962 (Mother’s Day), in Dayton Ohio, to Julie Fecher Zink and William (Bill) Zink, DDS (both deceased), she was their second child with Downs Syndrome following her brother Peter (deceased). Bill and Julie worked tirelessly to create programing for special needs children/adults, a revolutionary effort in the 1960s. Fran attended Montessori School until she was 9 and graduated from Four Oaks School in Xenia and worked at Greene Inc., Hampton and Fairfield Inn as a housekeeper. She loved music, romance, and art. 

She is survived by her sisters: Mary Rose Zink Loveland OH, Irene Zink (Ron Tinney) San Diego CA; Margaret Thomas (Barry)-Dayton OH; Therese Zink (Reed Pike)-Warwick RI, and four nieces and nephews Jacob Thomas (Megan Wright)-Knoxville TN, Sarah Thomas Tarutani(Andrew)-Louisville KY, Ian and Jordan Tinney-San Diego; and her Jamestown Home housemates: Alma, Maddy, Amanda, Christina, Danielle, Delilah and Cindy. She leaves many friends and relatives as well as wonderful caregivers.

Fran’s gentle spirit and fun-loving heart will be missed by many. Mass of Celebration will occur at St. Leonard’s Church 8100 Clyo Road on January 25, 2025 at 10 AM, with visitation at 9 AM. We request no flowers. Please make a donation to Towards Independence Inc., 81 E Main St, Xenia, OH 45385, in Fran’s honor. 

In lieu of flowers, Fran's family requests donations be made in her honor to Toward Independence, https://toward-independence-inc.networkforgood.com/projects/131111-everyday-giving-at-toward-independence

The WESTBROCK FUNERAL HOME- DAYTON is serving the family.