Emily Zinz, 17, of North Stonington passed away on Sunday, June 22, 2014, at her home surrounded by family just three days after her graduation from Wheeler High School.
She was born on August 1, 1996 in New London, the beloved daughter of Michael and Melissa (Andrews) Zinz. Emily bravely battled an aggressive cancer for three years but her determination to graduate from high school never waivered. She enjoyed hanging out with her friends, loved being pampered, and always was up for a trip to the beach or Stop & Shop. Last summer, the Make-A-Wish foundation granted Emily and her family a trip to the Bahamas where she swam with dolphins and snorkeled on the beach. In November, Emily was able to meet the cast of Duck Dynasty, a show she loved to watch with Ashley Turano, her second mother. Despite her hardships, Emily persevered and always had a smile on her face that could make the darkest days bright. Her laughter and love was infectious and spread like wildfire throughout the community. Emily’s selflessness and sass made her unique; she will continue to be an inspiration for many.
In addition to her parents, she is survived by her twin brother, Alex Zinz, and her favorite sister Jessica Bachinski, both of North Stonington. She is also survived by her maternal grandparents Gary and Kazumi Hartley of Gales Ferry and Kathleen and Tim Nalley of Massachusetts; her paternal grandparents; Faye and Merrill Swartzfager of Louisiana and Michael and Sandra Zinz Sr. of Missouri, as well as her aunts and uncles Kevin and Alicia Zinz, Randy Zinz, Scott and Karissa Andrews and her cousins Nadia Zinz, and Naia and River Andrews. She is predeceased by her grandfather, Terry Andrews.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Wheeler High School Gymnatorium on Saturday, June 28, 2014 at 1:00-3:00 PM. The family asks that guests refrain from wearing black attire and are welcome to bring their favorite pictures of Emily to share.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to the Emily’s Ray of Sunshine Award at the Chelsea Groton Bank in North Stonington, CT.
To share a message of condolence or remembrance with her family, please click the link below.