Irene B. (Brillhart) Zinn

Irene B. Zinn

DOVER – Irene B. (Brillhart) Zinn, 96, entered into rest late Thursday night, February 22, 2024 at Providence Place in Dover. She was the loving wife of Dale L. Zinn.  The couple celebrated 75 years of marriage on August 28, 2023.

Born March 1, 1927 in Dover Township, Irene was a daughter of the late Edgar K. and Mary A. (Krone) Brillhart.

She graduated from Dover High School, following which she completed cosmetology school. Irene was a loving wife and the proud matriarch of her five-generation family. During her career, she shared her talents at Caroline’s Hair Salon and Hair Fashions by Linda before later becoming a long-time server at Wynn’s Restaurant.

Irene used her love and extraordinary talent for cooking to bring together her greatest passion, her family. Her weekly and holiday dinners were a favorite tradition of all members of the Zinn family. Irene was also a tremendous baker, a skill developed on the farm, making countless pies to sell at Penn Market. Irene was active in the local community. She was a member of Salem Lutheran Church and more recently, Calvary Lutheran Church in Dover. Irene was also a dedicated member of the Red Hat Society, York County Society of Farm Women, and the West Manchester Mall Walkers. Irene enjoyed collecting frog figurines, playing cards with her wonderful friends in the card club, and sharing laughs with her family and friends over an ice cream sundae. Irene had an adventurous spirit demonstrated in her enjoyment of taking the RV across the country on many camping trips, going on cruises all over the world, taking bus trips, and visiting casinos.

In addition to her husband, Irene is survived by her two sons, Larry J. Zinn and wife, Bonnie E. of Dillsburg and Kerry L. Zinn and wife, Wendy L. of Dover; four grandchildren, Tricia I. Manspeaker and companion, Eric Fahringer, Jama D. Casper and husband, Michael L., Kelly I. Allwein and husband, Douglas and Codi M. Reed and husband, Seth E.; nine great-grandchildren; ten great-great-grandchildren; and a sister, June Smith of Dover.  She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Vanessa I. Manspeaker and husband, Wade A.; two sisters, Esther Wire and Ethel Wood; and brother, Ray E. Brillhart.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Irene’s funeral at 11 a.m. and the viewing from 10 to 11 a.m. on Monday, March 4, 2024 at Emig Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., 47 N. Queen St., Dover.  Burial will follow in Salem Union Cemetery, Dover. Officiating will be her pastor, the Rev. Abigail Leese.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lifesong Hospice Foundation, 3880 TecPort Drive, Suite 2, Harrisburg, PA 17111 or by visiting www.lifesongfoundation.org/donate/; or Calvary Lutheran Church, 9 N. Main St., Dover, PA 17315.

To share memories of Irene and condolences with her family, please visit www.emigfuneralhome.com.

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