Dorothy Zinn

Thursday, October 3, 2024, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Friday, October 4, 2024, from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.

Moss Funeral Home ~ Breese

Friday, October 4, 2024

11:30 a.m.

St. Dominic Catholic Church ~ Breese

Dorothy Zinn (nee Cerny), age 98, of Breese, IL, passed away October 1, 2024, peacefully surrounded by her family after a brief illness. She was born July 8, 1926, in Cobden IL, daughter of John and Elizabeth Cerny (nee Bigler). She married Arthur Zinn on June 3, 1961, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Cobden, and he preceded her in death on January 16, 1992.

Dorothy fondly remembered her days growing up on the family farm where she spent many hours helping her mother prepare meals and care for the family of eight. She was proud of her diploma from Le Clerc College in Belleville and the lifelong friends she made there. Dorothy worked at Cobden High School before her marriage and took many trips around the U.S. that she remembered as highlights of her life.

Guided always by her strong faith, Dorothy was a devoted member of St Dominic's Parish in Breese and formerly St Joseph's Parish in Cobden. After her family, church and community were most important to her. She was an active member well into her 90s of St Dominic's Altar Sodality, St Joseph's Hospital Auxiliary, and Clinton County Homemakers. If someone needed help Dorothy was always willing to volunteer her time or talents. No request went unanswered. Parishioners of St. Dominic's still enjoy the banners she created, and many people have special quilled ornaments and eggs Dorothy created.

For over 50 years Dorothy did sewing and alterations for many people. Her work was impeccable and in high demand and she loved doing it. The family lost count many years ago of how many beautiful quilts she made and worked on, but her children and grandchildren each have specially designed ones to remember her beautiful quilting skills. Dorothy loved to garden and loved to share the fruits of her labor. She was happiest at her sewing machine, with her hands in the earth, or baking pies or her famous cinnamon rolls for family and friends. Playing games, especially Yahtzee, with her family, and Bingo with friends gave her the greatest joy. Family was truly everything to her.

In addition to her beloved husband Art, Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Lawrence, Norbert, Hugh and Richard Cerny; her in-laws, Betty Cerny, Jules and Mildred Weshinsky, and Ennis and Marie McGee; and a grandchild, Micah Zinn.

She is survived by her children and their partners who she dearly loved, Mary (Dale) Batson of Ft. Myers, FL, Rita (Andy Jankowski) Zinn of Shiloh, and Robert (Susan) Zinn of Breese; her adored grandchildren, Andrea (Stewart) Hepker, Jared Batson, and Mariah (Brendan) Menietti; her dear sister, Catherine (Norman) Gibbs; her sister-in-law, Josephine Cerny; as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, and their families. She will be missed by many friends, especially Elsie Niemeyer; and the wonderful staff at Cedarhurst of Breese and the wonderful caregivers of Residential Hospice for making her last years and days joyful and comfortable.

Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, October 4, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Breese with Fr. Patrick Peter presiding. Interment will follow at St. Dominic-St. Augustine Cemtery in Breese.

Visitation will be Thursday, October 3, 2024, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. and again Friday, October 4, 2024, from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. at Moss Funeral Home in Breese.

In lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts, memorials may be made to St. Dominic Parish, Cedarhurst of Breese Activity Fund, or Residential Hospice and will be received at the visitation or by mail, Moss Funeral Home, 535 N. 5^th St. Breese, IL 62230, who is serving the family.