Barbara Jean Zinser

Barbara Jean (Vogel) Zinser, 84, died Wednesday in West Sand Lake, NY. She was the beloved wife of Richard Louis Zinser, Sr. of Danbury (deceased 2012), and much loved mother of Richard Louis Zinser, Jr., of Niskayuna, NY. Barbara was born on February 18, 1931 in New Haven, CT, to Albert and Sadie Vogel, and grew up in Danbury.

After graduation from Danbury High School, she went to work as a bookkeeper for Doran Brothers, and subsequently decided to attend college. During this period, Barbara married Richard Zinser in 1956.

Barbara played many roles in her long productive life. A member of the Altar Guild at St. James Church, Barbara also was a caseworker for Congressman William Ratchford. Barbara and her husband owned a liquor store, which helped finance her son’s college education.

A loving wife, she and her husband Richard were known throughout their family and community in Danbury as wonderful hosts, and a kind and caring couple, always available with a helping hand and a friendly ear. Barbara was an extremely proud mother, always interested in her son’s career and accomplishments.

When the couple retired, they moved to Stephentown, NY, where they raised Christmas trees and many labor-intensive acres of turf grass. After her husband passed away, Barbara moved from Danbury, and spent her remaining years at a lovely home in West Sand Lake, NY, where she was loved for her spunk, spirit and irrepressible zest for life (and cookies!).

Survivors include her son, Richard L. Zinser, Jr., of Niskayuna, NY, and daughter-in-law, Alisa von Goerken. She was predeceased by her siblings Nellie Luf, Gertrude Lassen and Albert Vogel, Jr.

Friends and family will be received on Tuesday, September 1st, from 5 PM to 7 PM at the Green Funeral Home, 57 Main Street, Danbury. Funeral services will be held at St. James Episcopal Church, Danbury, on Wednesday, September 2nd at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at St. Peter Cemetery. Contributions in her memory may be made to St. James Episcopal Church, 25 West Street, Danbury, CT 06810.