Janet Zinn

ZINN, Janet
Of Kalamazoo, Michigan Janet passed away from her life on earth and entered her eternal home of glory with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday February 24, 2008. Armed with her strong and steadfast faith, she never feared death. She was sad about the great loss she knew we would experience and, true to her nature, remained more concerned about others than herself. Jan continued to witness to others to the end saying "I'll meet you at the Banquet Table" as she said her good-byes. Jan was born October 30, 1940 in Paterson, NJ. She was the youngest child born to her parents, Aaron and Wilhelmina Clever VanOstenbridge. Jan was united in marriage to David Zinn on July 1, 1960 and they were blessed with five children. Jan was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Daniel Zinn; sisters, Mae VanOstenbridge, Helen Teitsma, and Betty TenBrink; and a brother, Aaron VanOstenbridge. Jan is survived by her loving husband, Dave; son, David Jr. Brenda Zinn and their children, Trevor, Brent, and Amy; daughter, Deborah Tom Palaszek, and their son, Kyle Doherty; daughter, Janna Zinn, and her son, Isaiah Zinn; son, John Marshall Zinn, and his daughter, Arianna Allen; sister, Wilma Tuit; and other extended relatives, and numerous friends. Everyone who had the pleasure and blessing of knowing Jan will attest that she was a truly amazing and precious woman, who touched many, many lives. Her life was a life of giving to others. She had worked with the elderly as a nurse's aid and was a foster parent to many children. She loved children, and one of her greatest joys in life was teaching sign language to multiple grades of students at the Christian Schools. Jan taught for 19 years, and influenced so many lives with special gifts. Students and teachers admired and loved Jan's enthusiasm, sense of humor, courage, honesty, love of life, and unwavering faith. Jan was a member of Immanuel Christian Reformed Church. A memorial service will be held at Westwood Christian Reformed Church, 620 Northampton on Saturday, March 8, at 1:00PM. As part of this celebration of her life, current and past students will be invited to participate in signing "The Lord's Prayer", as she had taught them. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Rose Arbor Hospice, West Michigan Cancer Center, and the Kalamazoo Christian School Association. Arrangements by Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick Street.