Karin Courtney Fink Zimba, age 48, of Watkins Glen, NY, went to heaven on Monday, April 3, 2017. She passed on from the comfort of her own home.
Karin was born in Flemington, NJ, on August 7, 1968, the daughter of Ronald and Jean (Kolodziej) Fink. She graduated from Wyalusing Valley Jr/Sr High School, as well as Ithaca College where she majored in music education and performance, and anthropology. She had worked as a librarian at Wyalusing Public Library before becoming a full-time mom for her two children, Tristan and Robin. She was a member of the Embroiders Guild of America and performed with the 171 Cedar Arts Center Women's Chorale.
Karin, lovingly known as "Kiki" by her family, was a quiet, loving person who embraced nature and the outdoors in every way. She enjoyed walks on Catherine Trail and hiking the Glen, and had beautiful flower gardens throughout her yard. Karin spent many nights on a hill by her house star gazing and basking in the sounds of the night and the light of the moon, and searching for satellites to fly by while sitting around a bonfire with her family on summer evenings. Her hobbies included dancing, singing, listening to music, cross-stitching, baking, reading, gardening, and participating in 5k races, completing 20 of them. The biggest joy of Karin's life was her children. She attended every sporting, school, and recreational event her children participated in. She also had a deep love for her cats, especially Finnegan who was constantly by her side.
Karin is survived by her husband, Sean Zimba, son, Tristan Zimba, and daughter, Robin Zimba, all of Watkins Glen, NY; father and mother, Ron and Jean Fink; sisters, Donna Robinson, Shelley (Tom) McAndrew, and Heather Vaow, all of Wyalusing, PA; aunts, Lucy Walsh, of Clinton, NJ, and Nellene (Bob) Beaton, of Toms River, NJ; uncle, Tony (Debbie) Kolodziej, of Wyalusing, PA; nieces, Desirae Stroud, Jessi Hall, Jenna Vaow, Jillian Capwell, and Julie Zimba; nephew, Robert Zimba II; father-in-law, Robert Zimba, of Hector NY; as well as several other aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Mass will be held on Tuesday, April 11, at 10am at St. Mary's of the Lake Church, 905 N. Decatur St., Watkins Glen, NY 14891.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Haughey-Wood & Zinger Funeral Home.
April 3, 2019
Friend
Susan Schaffner
Karin, my friend, I can hardly believe that it has been 2 years since you embarked on your journey to Heaven. It seems like yesterday. I so miss: hearing your beautiful voice on the other end of the phone and the hour long chats we shared, your warm smile and infectious laugh, our hikes together through the Catherine Valley Trail, Sarah and I visiting you and Robin for some girl time, bonfires and wine together on a starry summer night, and countless other memorable moments we shared together. I can only imagine the joy and love you are spreading to Jesus, friends, and family who are with you in Heaven. Know that I love you & I take comfort in our memories. Till we meet again keep dancing and singing your joyous song with your co- angels!
Love Always & Forever,
Your Friend,
Sue
January 12, 2018
Friend
Antoinette Di Ciaccio
April 30, 2017
Lisa Marshall
I loved singing with you Karin. What a dear, kind and loving soul you were. My whole heart goes out to your loving husband and beautiful children to whom you were so devoted.
April 19, 2017
Andrew & Elizabeth Czerepak
Dear Jean and Ron and all of Kiki's family,
We were so sorry to hear of Kiki's untimely passing. May you have comfort in her legacy of kindness and inner beauty and love for family. May your happy memories of her live in your hearts and bring you comfort.
Love and sympathy,
Andrew and Elizabeth Czerepak
April 11, 2017
Angela Kanish
Greetings, Mighty One. Thank you for visiting me in the park on Sunday. I miss you so very much but I know you will always be with me. I cherish our visits and good times together. You are free and whole again, and your family selected a beautiful resting place for you. I love you always, my beautiful best friend. All hail the Mighty Finkus Rinkus!
April 10, 2017
Kim Canfield
My deepest sympathy to all of you. I remember many times sitting in Karin's room and us talking over music. She will always remain alive in all the memories she left each and everyone of us.
~For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Isaiah 55:12~
Find peace that Karin is with our Lord and watching over her family. I love you all.
April 9, 2017
Scott & MaryAnn Kocsak
Our hearts go out to the family with sympathy and prayers.
April 7, 2017
Sean
I love you Karin and always will. I miss you.
April 7, 2017
Susan Schaffner
Karin, my dear friend, I miss you so much already! Enjoy dancing and singing amoung the angels, basking in God's glorious light, and splendouring in the beauty of Heaven's ceations far beyond compare to our Earthly wonders.
My sincere sympathy to all of the Zimba Family. Karin was a beautiful wife, mother, daughter, sister, Aunt, and friend. She left an imprint on all of those who knew her hearts. She lives on in all of us and we will someday see her again. Take comfort in the many warm memories and that beautiful smile of hers. I am here for all of you!
Lovely picture of Karin and amazing obituary! You truly honored Karin and captured the true essence of her spirit.
With much love, peace, and prayers- Sue Schaffner
April 6, 2017
Chuck Bullock
Sincere sympathy for the whole family
April 6, 2017
Wendy Hovey
Karin was a wonderful, too-modest presence in The Women's Chorale at 171. We have dedicated our concert on Saturday to her memory.
April 6, 2017
Rob Sharer
So very sorry for your loss
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