Jennifer Zink Obituary

Jennifer L. Zink, a beacon of courage and love, passed away peacefully at home on July 7, 2025, at the age of 51, after a valiant battle with ALS. Born on February 1, 1974, in Woodbury, New Jersey, Jennifer's life was a testament to her intelligence, strength, and unwavering spirit.
Jennifer's early years were spent in the halls of Highland High School, where she graduated in 1992. Her passion for helping others led her to the Camden County Vocational School, where she earned her Medical Assistant Certification. Her thirst for knowledge did not end there, as she later attended Camden County College and Rowan University, achieving a bachelor's degree in English in 2013. It was shortly after this accomplishment, at the age of 39, that Jennifer was diagnosed with ALS, a challenge she faced with remarkable resilience.
Throughout her working career, Jennifer worked at various jobs, including multiple doctor's offices and also shared her love for language as an English tutor. Her children, Michael, Daniel, and Kimberly, were the center of her universe, and she poured her heart into their upbringing.
After her diagnosis, Jennifer, alongside her beloved late husband Michael Zink, embarked on a cross-country journey, spending joyful time together and embracing life's precious moments. Her beloved and selfless parents became her caregivers until their passing, after which she was cared for by her son Michael and his family, before moving in with her sister Cindy and her family. Jennifer was also cared for by many loving and devoted aides and nurses over the years, and she enjoyed her time with all of them. She was always grateful to be at home with family and friends.
Jennifer's Christian faith was a source of comfort and strength throughout her life and during her illness. In her younger years, she found joy in painting and drawing, and she was an avid reader, a hobby that continued to enrich her life even as her illness progressed, thanks to the world of online books. Jennifer was also a published short story author and had a blog, where she discussed her journey through life after her diagnosis. Jennifer also was a lover of music. She found joy in both listening and also singing, whether it was singing in the car, at home or singing hymns in the Saint Agnes choir.
Those who knew Jennifer will remember her as a courageous, loving, and intelligent woman. Her legacy lives on through her children: Michael Stokes, Jr. (Tabitha), Kimberly Chryssomallis (Michael), Daniel Stokes (Fatima); her cherished grandchildren: Loki, Leon, and Leia; her sisters: Cathy Horowitz (David) and Cindy Donapel (Dave); and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and their families, all of whom she loved deeply.
Jennifer's journey through life was marked by her indomitable spirit and the love she shared with those around her. Her memory will continue to inspire and guide her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to have been touched by her warmth, kindness and beautiful smile. Jennifer L. Zink's story is not one of sorrow, but a celebration of a life lived fully, with every challenge met with bravery and every day cherished. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Jennifer's viewing will be held on Monday, July 21, 2025, from 9:15 AM – 10:45 AM at Earle Funeral Home, 122 W. Church St., Blackwood, NJ. Her funeral mass will begin at 11:30 AM at OLOH/St. Agnes Church, 701 Little Gloucester Rd., Blackwood, NJ. Burial will immediately follow at New St. Mary's Cemetery, Bellmawr, NJ.
Donations can be made in Jennifer's memory to:
ALS Association, 1300 Wilson Blvd., Suite 600, Arlington, VA 22209 / [email protected]