Catherine E. Zink

Catherine Elizabeth Zink passed away peacefully on 5/31/2014 at her home with her daughter by her bedside. Cathie was born December 21, 1914 near Springfield, OH to James and Rebecca Tyree, where she grew up in a rural setting with her sisters Georgia, Mabel, Betty & Mildred (Midge) and brother Lawrence “Bud”. She graduated from Olive Branch High School. Cathie became engaged to Turner O. Zink on 12/21/41 - just after the attack on Pearl Harbor - even though they realized they would be separated quite a bit due to the war and their future was unknown, they decided to be sweethearts forever. They were wed on 3/26/43. During World War II, while Turner served in the Navy, Cathie worked in Ohio as a final tester & inspector at Robbins & Meyers (a company that manufactured automatic pilots for airplanes that were used in the war.) Turner continued to serve in the Navy for a total of 24 years. Cathie & Turner had their first home together in Ridley Park, PA. They also lived in Philadelphia, PA before moving to Key West, FL where they began their family. Sadly, their first child, Patricia, did not survive childbirth. But their grief turned to joy at the birth of their son Richard and later the birth of their daughter Mary Jane “Mimi”. While the children were still young, Cathie and Turner moved to Drexel Hill, PA were they lived together for over 50 years. Cathie was a wonderful wife, mother, homemaker, and gardener. She was very involved in her children's lives by being active in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Brownies, and Girl Scouts as well as helping out at school and welcoming our friends into their home. She was also very active in her church and community. Cathie moved to Bellingham, WA in 2000 to be close to her daughter after Turner's death. Cathie made many good friends while living at The Willows and at Orchard Park Assisted Living. She always had a warm smile and a welcoming greeting that could brighten your day. Cathie is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Richard Zink and Charma Smith; her daughter and son-in-law Mary “Mimi” and Tim Matheis; her grandson Willie Matheis; her granddaughter and husband Amber and Rob Nelson, her great-grandsons David and Samuel Nelson, and her sisters Mildred “Midge” Hanks and Betty Fuhrman. Cathie was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Patricia, her sisters Georgia Johnson and Mabel Chapman, her brother Lawrence “Bud” Tyree, and her beloved husband Turner. We would like to express our sincere thanks to all of the caregivers and staff at both Orchard Park Assisted Living as well as Whatcom County Hospice who always included a large helping of friendship, love and compassion along with their excellent care to Cathie and also to her family. Thanks to the Threshold Singers for providing many soothing and uplifting moments through their gift of song. Thanks to Rev. Bud Lee, Janet Gasper, Marlene Payne and other visitors from Birchwood Presbyterian Church as well as Rev. Jack Matheis for coming to Cathie's home to provide a spiritual connection after she was unable to attend church services. A memorial service to celebrate Cathie's life will be planned for the near future. Memorials may be made to Whatcom County Hospice.