Obituary of Shirley Ann Gilmore Zinn

Shirley Ann Gilmore Zinn, a 42-year resident of Ivoryton and Essex, died peacefully on November 29 in Chester, CT at the age of 88, with her sister Linda at her side. Born in Summit, New Jersey on March 1, 1928 to the late Robert C. Gilmore Jr. and Laura Thomas Gilmore, she grew up in Nichols, and spent the majority of her life living in Connecticut, relishing almost every corner of the state. While attending the University of Connecticut Shirley met John H. Carlson Jr. and they married in 1948. She lived in Old Greenwich, CT for 24 years before moving to Ivoryton after her divorce in 1974. While living there she worked for The Essex Forge. In 1979 she married Carl H. Zinn Jr. They later moved to Windswept in Essex, and lived the rest of her life in a wonderfully loving marriage. All her life Shirley was an ardent lover of nature, supporting local Audubon chapters and being involved with local garden clubs. She loved the outdoors, watching wildlife, tending to birds and gardens, walking along trails and the shore, kayaking, and visiting Block Island with friends and family. She was a talented artisan and consummate hostess. And she was a caring and generous mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Perhaps one of Shirley's most noted assets was her ability to cook fantastic food - not only for family but for friends as well (except for eggplant surprise). Gingerbread men and apple pies were held in particular esteem by her family. Shirley is predeceased by her parents, by her sister Barbara Gilmore and her brother Robert C. Gilmore III. She is survived by her loving husband of 37 years Carl Zinn, and her adoring family including her sister Linda Porter of Bradford, NH, and her three sons: David Allen Carlson (Eleanor) of Cambridge, MA, John Thomas Carlson (Theresa) of Miami, FL, and Douglas Neil Carlson (Lisa) of Old Greenwich, CT, as well as six grandchildren and one great-grandson. She is also survived by her two stepdaughters: Deborah Z. Prouty (John) of Riverside, CT and Kathryn Cerussi of Old Greenwich, CT. A small private graveside service will be held at noon at Riverview Cemetery in Essex, CT on December 10, 2016. A reception for friends and family will follow at 1:00 pm at their residence, Windswept. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Shirley's name to the Essex Land Trust, P.O.Box 373, Essex, CT 06426. Arrangements by the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home in Centerbrook.