Obituary of Karen L. Zinck

Karen Leigh Zinck, a strong-willed, honest, and deeply caring woman, passed away peacefully at home on June 28, 2025, at the age of 75. Born in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, to Ava Payne and Howard Foster, Karen lived her life to the fullest. She graduated from Cowanesque High School in 1967 and went on to earn her Registered Nursing degree from the Allentown School of Nursing. Throughout her career, she worked at Cole Memorial Hospital in Coudersport, Three Rivers Healthcare Facility, Chit-Chat in Westfield, Carlton Nursing Home in Wellsboro, North Penn Home Health, and served as a counselor for the Steuben County Drug & Alcohol Agency. She found her deepest calling in addiction recovery, where her empathy and unflinching honesty made a lasting impact. Karen’s home was always open. Whether someone needed a roof over their head, a hot meal, or just someone to talk to, she was there — even in times when she had little herself, she gave without hesitation. She had a rare ability to speak the truth, and she never shied away from doing what was right, especially when others needed her most. She was a Girl Scout leader, a member of the CV Riding Club, the High Saddle Riders Club and a proud member of the Border Riders Motorcycle Club. She faithfully attended both the Austinburg Methodist Church and the Ruskin Methodist Church. Karen also played an active role in her community, running programs such as Caring Hands Around the Valley and the Knoxville Summer Lunch Program, and she was actively involved in Celebrate Recovery. Karen had many passions: she was an animal lover, a horseback riding instructor, a talented seamstress and cross-stitcher, an avid reader, and a fearless card player who would take you on over a pot of coffee any day. Alongside her husband, Wallace Zinck, Karen spent years traveling the U.S. by motorcycle — seeing more of the country than most people ever will, always with a sense of adventure and independence. For the last 20 years of her life, she split her time between Pennsylvania and Florida, where she made lasting friendships and created a second home filled with sunshine and laughter. In retirement, Karen became a licensed dog trainer and started her own dog training and boarding business — a natural extension of her love for animals and her practical, no-nonsense approach to life. Karen is survived by her loving husband, Wallace Zinck; her children Amy (Joe) Druetto and Michael (Michele) Zinck; and her foster children: Michelle (Chris) Huff, Tom (Colleen) Zinck, Gladys (Dick) Martin, Audrey Lang, and Laura (Rick) Gleason. She is also survived by her brother Tom (Lori) Foster, her sister Phyllis (Dave) Morris, and her grandchildren: Ian (Trish) Druetto, Kaila Druetto, Phoenix Zinck, Drew Shepley, Evan Zinck, Clay (Rachel) Bonney, Emma Zinck, Thomas Zinck, Heather (Keith) Hoffman, Casey Martin, Christy (Casey) Lewis, Amber (James) Allington, Vanessa (Brandon) Taylor, Josh (Kelly) Gleason, and Tara Gleason. As well as great grandchildren: Mia and Quinten Druetto, Autumn and Emery Bonney, Blake Lang, James, Ethan, and Elba Allington, Carrie, Candace, and Chase Lewis, McKenna Taylor, Hunter and Abigail Gleason, Jordyn, Jaedyn, Jaxson Beeles, and Rylie, Carter, Makenna, Holden, and Hudson Hoffman. She also leaves behind her nieces and nephews: Kelly, Riley, Kiersten, Matt, and Jon Foster. Karen will be remembered for her fierce honesty, quick wit, big heart, and the way she made life better for the people and animals lucky enough to know her. All are welcome to join in honoring Karen's life and sharing of memories. Date: Monday, July 7, 2025 Calling Hours: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Service: 12:00 PM (Noon) Location: Austinburg Methodist Church In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Karen’s name to the American Diabetes Foundation at www.diabetes.org Arrangements are with the H.P. Smith & Son Inc., Funeral Home, Woodhull NY.