Janet Zink Dalke

After a long and courageous journey with cancer, Janet passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, on April 21, 2025.

Janet is survived by her loving husband, Doug, her beloved daughters Lisa Townsend and Tracy (Paul) Fusco, Doug’s children Dustin, Courtney, and Maggie, as well as her cherished grandchildren Sam, Griffin, Noah, Kimberly, Ariane, Cyrus, Gabriella, Keegan, and Anthony.

Her mother, Dolores Dorfner, also survives her, along with siblings Marilyn (Bill) Edwards, Noreen (Mike) Kohler, Harold (Leesah) Zink, nieces Shelby (Ryan Pierson) Zink and Marlana Zink, and extended family Linda Larner, Kathy (Todd) Obbie, Mike (Carol) Dorfner, and Chris (Holly) Dorfner. She is predeceased by her father, Harold Zink, and stepfather, Jim Dorfner.

Janet found deep joy in her family and took special pride in her role as “Grandma.” A lover of nature, Janet enjoyed gardening and found peace outdoors.

She maintained treasured friendships that spanned decades – friends who stood beside her through every season of life and were a meaningful source of support and inspiration.

As a breast cancer survivor twice over, Janet built lasting bonds with a remarkable support group of women whose shared strength and vulnerability brought deep connection, and whose friendships became an essential part of her journey.

Janet was grounded in a spiritual faith that she expressed through community, compassion, and kindness, and her selfless contributions of time and labor through multiple charity groups.

She will be remembered for the strength and grace with which she faced both joy and hardship. Her legacy of love, resilience, and deep care for others lives on in all who knew her.

A celebration of Janet’s life will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 10:00 AM at the First Unitarian Church of Rochester, 220 Winton Road South, Rochester, NY 14610. A light reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers the family invites donations to organizations close to Janet’s heart: the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester (bccr.org), Camp Good Days and Special Times, and the Advent House – the non-profit comfort care home where she and her family were graciously cared for during her last days.