Obituary of Mary M Zinkann

Mary M. (nee McKeown) Zinkann, age 87, formerly from Union Township, NJ and currently at Heath Village in Hackettstown, NJ, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 20, 2023, with her beloved family by her side. Mary was born February 11, 1936, in Chicago, IL. to the late Edward McKeown and the late Blanche (nee Keegan) McKeown.

Mary was a graduate of St. Mary’s College located in Notre Dame, IN, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in finance.  Mary met the love of her life, Joe Zinkann, on a blind date.  They married on February 16, 1963. Together they raised four children: Joseph, Elizabeth (Beth), Stephen, and Susan.  While raising their four children, Mary decided to continue her education, earning her master’s degree in education from the University of Hartford, CT. She went on to teach young children until her retirement.

A devout Catholic, Mary and her beloved Joe were long time members of their parish, The Church of the Annunciation in Bloomsbury, NJ. She was very active in the parish, helping at the St. Patrick’s Dance, the town wide garage sale, and the Women’s Guild. Working with Rev. Roberto D. Coruna among others with The Church of The Annunciation through the years was one of Mary’s great pleasures.

Mary could often be found cheering on her favorite college football team, Notre Dame.  She enjoyed hosting for holidays, cooking and entertaining for her family and friends.  Her favorite place to spend time was in Dune Acres, IN, where her family had a home.  Most of all, Mary loved spending time with her precious family, especially her grandchildren who brought her great joy. Mary will be remembered for being a dedicated and loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

Mary will be forever missed by her sister Ruth Anne McKeown of Manhattan, NY; Sister in Law Marilyn McKeown of Wheaton Il; son, Joseph Zinkann and his wife Amy of Groton, MA; daughter, Beth Billington and her husband Ed of Clinton, NJ; son, Stephen Zinkann and his wife Kirsten of Greenville, SC; daughter, Sue Krauer and her husband Greg of Long Valley, NJ; grandchildren, Kelly Dickson and her husband Cole, Shannon Brautigam and her husband Luke, Erin Billington, Joseph Zinkann, William Zinkann, Hope Zinkann, Harrison Zinkann, Lily Krauer, and Norah Krauer; aunt of many nieces, nephews and extended family members. 

Mary is predeceased by her beloved husband of 59 years, Joseph L. Zinkann; her parents, Edward and Blanche McKeown; brother, Edward McKeown; sister-in-laws, Jeanne (Bill) Evans and Carole (Ron) Roth.

Friends and relatives are invited to visit with her family on Saturday, December 2nd, from 10:00 am until 11:30 am, with a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial starting at 11:30 am. All services will be held directly at the Church of the Annunciation, 80 Main Street, Bloomsbury, NJ 08804. Private Entombment will follow at Immaculate Conception Mausoleum in Annandale. 

Mary's funeral mass will be available to watch via livestream.  Please Click Here For Live Streaming Service.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary’s name may be made to the Church of the Annunciation, 80 Main St. Bloomsbury, NJ, 08804. The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Heath Village Retirement Community, Hackettstown, NJ for their excellent care.