Carolyne A. Zink

Carolyne Ann Zink, 82, of Brevard, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours, Friday, September 12th 2025, at her home.

She was born on March 17, 1943, in Rochester, NY, to the late Dorthea Rose St. James and Richard (Dick) Seil St. James. She remembered meeting her father for the first time after he returned from WWII. Carolyne graduated from Brockport University in New York in 1964 where she received her BA in Education. After she moved to Brevard in 1967, she became the first all-day Kindergarten teacher in Transylvania County and taught many of the county’s children. She also taught at Camp Kahdalea, Penrose, Immaculata Catholic School in Hendersonville and Bad Aibling American School (DODDS) in Germany. She was a devoted educator for over 30 years educating and inspiring countless students. Carolyne generously gave her time to volunteer work and community clubs, including Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, as well as teaching quilting in an after school Elementary program. She was a Sorority Sister; Beta Sigma Fi and also enjoyed a book club.

Carolyne was a dedicated member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where she served as Eucharist Minister, Lector, First Communion and Confirmation Teacher.

Distinctive with her signature natural red hair and aqua-blue eyes, Carolyne was a very upbeat and social person that loved spending time with family and friends.

Carolyne met Charlie through a mutual friend, and wooed her with a motorcycle ride. They were married the following year on April 14, 1978. Together they not only lived in Brevard but also extended periods in Germany and England.

She was preceded in death by her parents and by her only granddaughter, Ellery D. Zink. She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Charles Frank Zink.; three children and their spouses, William R. (Billy) Zink and Keri L. Duff-Zink of Cedar Mtn, Bryan E. Zink and Marcia A. Zink of Las Vegas, NV and Barbara E. Zink and Jason X. Ray of Longmont, CO; seven very beloved grandchildren, in birth order, William R. (Liam) Zink, Asa M. Zink, Dylan S. Zink, Finn A. Zink, Xavier S. Ray, Charles A. Ray and Walter J. Ray; and two brothers and their spouses Ken R. and Frances L. St. James of Key Largo, FL; Richard E. and Michelle H. St. James of Syracuse, NY

In her last decade, Carolyne had a slow-progressing dementia. She was able to sustain her cheerful personality and remembered most people’s names. She lived like every day was a holiday- her favorite being St. Patrick’s Day- which was also her birthday. In her final year, she took to singing joyfully.

At 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 8, 2025, a memorial will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church to celebrate the life and spirit of this cherished woman, The family will receive friends afterwards and a finger food luncheon will be offered to all guests in the reception.

The family expresses their gratitude to Charlie, her devoted primary caregiver, Sylvia and Gary Keener for their steadfast friendship and countless dinners, and to Michelle Porter, who served as her physical therapist and companion for the last year and a half. They also appreciate the Brevard and Sacred Heart community at large.

Memorials may be made to the Knights of Columbus or finding a local teacher’s go fund me for school supplies

On-line condolences may be sent to www.mooreblanchard.com. Moore-Blanchard Funerals & Cremations is honored to serve the family.