Joan R. Zinck

WORCESTER – Joan Revay Zinck, 92, passed away peacefully on July 21st, 2026 at St. Vincent’s Hospital following a short illness.

Born in Worcester, Joan was the daughter of the late Aurore (Berthiaume) and Webster H. Zinck. She spent most of her life in Worcester and had formerly resided in Shrewsbury. She was predeceased by her parents and her brothers, Stanley H. Zinck and Gregory A. Zinck as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Joan was a proud graduate of the Worcester City Hospital School of Nursing. She dedicated nearly her entire professional career to caring for others as a registered nurse with the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA). Her compassion, kindness, and commitment to her patients earned the respect and admiration of those who had the privilege of receiving her care.

Outside of her nursing career, Joan found her greatest joy in the companionship of her beloved dogs. They were more than pets—they were part of her family. She was known for her gentle spirit, unwavering loyalty, and the deep care she showed to both people and animals throughout her life.

Joan found great joy in life's simple pleasures. She appreciated the beauty of the water and enjoyed trips to Maine to see the beautiful ocean and living in her beautiful lake house in Shrewsbury. Joan treasured the many trips she made to Maine—with her beloved mother and lifelong companion, Jane. She enjoyed exploring new places and creating lasting memories through travel. Joan also had an appreciation for beauty and fine craftsmanship, collecting Swarovski crystal figurines and surrounding herself with the artwork of renowned artist Edna Hibel. These treasured collections reflected her love of art, elegance, and the beauty she found in the world.

Joan leaves behind her lifelong friend and devoted companion, Elynor "Jane" Kaplan; her sister-in-law, Carolyn Zinck; her nieces, Theresa (Zinck) Lederer and her husband, Joseph, Jeannine (Zinck) Leone and her husband, Antonino, Kathleen Zinck and her husband, James McDaid, and; great-nieces and great-nephews, Meghan, Connor, Devin, Michael and Aurora and many friends at the Willows in Worcester.

Family and friends are welcomed to a Mass of Christian burial and celebration of Joan’s life at Our Lady of the Angels Parish, 1222 Main St, Worcester, MA on Tuesday, July 28th at 11:00am. Entombment will follow in the Notre Dame Cemetery and Mausoleum, 162 Webster Street, Worcester.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Joan’s memory to the Worcester VNA, 120 Thomas Street, Worcester, MA, Worcester Animal Rescue League, 139 Holden Street, Worcester, MA 01606 or Carmel of St. Therese of Lisieux, Discalced Carmelite Nuns, P.O. Box 57, Loretto, PA 15940