Roslyn Zinn has passed away

[unhappycamper]

Roslyn Zinn, with her husband, Howard, a historian, author, and activist.


Roslyn Zinn, 85; blended social activism with the arts
By Bryan Marquard
Globe Staff / May 21, 2008

The dunes overlooking Wellfleet's shore, a terrain Roslyn Zinn revered during summer visits, glow in one of her paintings with a singular warmth, as if she perceived the landscape more deeply than any seasonal pilgrim.

"After years as a teacher and social worker, I turned seriously to painting, which throughout my life had sparked and enlivened my spirit," Ms. Zinn wrote in a brief introduction to "Painting Life," a collection of her work that was published last year, a few months after she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. "What I see in the world, so burdened and troubled, and yet beautiful in nature and in the human form, impels me to seek to create images that give the possibility of hope."

A glorious spray of tulips, the gentle curve of an unclothed hip, the deep smile lines etched around her husband's mouth - Ms. Zinn's brush found in each of her subjects a sense of serenity and promise. And those same qualities, present in her along with a radiant delight in life, impressed those she met her during her long marriage to historian Howard Zinn as they walked arm in arm in marches protesting wars from Vietnam to Iraq.

Ms. Zinn, who was always the first and most important reader of her husband's many books and essays, died May 14 in their home in the Auburndale village of Newton. She was 85 and had continued to climb the stairs to her studio and paint until the last days of her life.

"She was a passionate person, passionately committed to the causes of peace and justice, and she was anguished by what was happening in the world," her husband said. "At the same time, she was a very sunny, happy, warm person."


Rest of obituary at: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/obituaries/articles/2008/05/21/roslyn_zinn_85_blended_social_activism_with_the_arts/



RIP Roslyn. Howard, my thoughts are with you.

[boobooday]

1. Heartfelt Condolences to Prof. Zinn & family

She sounds like a lovely woman.

[AllieB]

2. She was a nice lady.

I had the privilege to meet her on several occasions. My condolences to Professor Zinn and his family.

[Breeze54]

3. My sincere condolences to Howard Zinn and family.

:kick: & Recommended

[flashl]

4. RIP. nt

[Echo In Light]

5. A sad K&R

[libnnc]

6. Such a wonderful couple.

:cry:

Thoughts are with the Zinn family

[peekaloo]

7. RIP. Condolences to the good Professor.

:-(

[Jack Rabbit]

8. Rest in Peace. Condolences to Professor Zinn

Mediatinker

[marmar]

9. Ever see "You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train", the Zinn bio documentary?

They were so close, such partners. I'm sure Howard's really hurting right now. Peace and love to the Zinn family.