Mrs. Theresa Zimnik, 69, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.
Born August 8, 1956, in Pasadena, California, she was the daughter of Barry C. Clark and Delores M. (Childress) Clark.
Theresa is survived by her beloved husband, Paul Zimnik; her children, Nathan, Andrew, Mia, and Kennedy; her granddaughters, Georgia, Violet, and Margot; her sisters, Pamela and Cheryl; and numerous nieces, nephews, and grandnieces.
Theresa earned her Bachelor of Science degree from California Polytechnic State University before receiving her Master of Science degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from California State University, Fullerton.
Helping others was a constant throughout Theresa’s life. During her high school and college years, she volunteered with House of Ruth, a domestic violence shelter. She later served as an advocate for victims of sexual assault through Project Sister and volunteered with the Frederick County Homeless Shelter. Early in her career, Theresa worked at Pinellas County Alcohol Treatment Services in St. Petersburg, Florida, served as a juvenile counselor and case manager for the Northeast Missouri Circuit Court, and was Director of Adult Psychiatric Services at Laughlin Pavilion in Kirksville, Missouri. Later, she taught in the Washington and Frederick County Public School Systems, where she enjoyed working with her students for many years.
She extended this same love and care to animals. Starting as a girl in California and Florida, then continuing throughout her life in Missouri, Ohio, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, Theresa rescued and rehabilitated injured animals whenever she had the opportunity. Whether these were stray cats, wayward snapping turtles, or blind senior poodles waiting to be adopted, animals held a special place in her heart.
The only greater priority was her family; she devoted much of her life to raising her four children. In Ohio, while her husband completed his medical residency, she raised three children, all under three years old; shortly thereafter, she was raising four children, all under seven years old. Through tireless dedication, she ensured all four got to and from school, music lessons, sports practices, and scouting activities, creating countless opportunities that enriched their lives immeasurably.
Theresa was a prodigious reader, skilled gardener, and a talented cook. It was not uncommon for her to finish more than 200 books per year. Throughout her life, she filled her home and garden with beautiful plants, some of which have been thriving for more than 30 years.
Theresa will be remembered for her remarkable inner strength, her caring heart, her dedication to her family and friends, and her selflessness. She touched many lives through her work, her volunteer service, and the kindness she showed to both people and animals.
A private Celebration of Life will be held at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Antietam Humane Society: 8513 Lyons Rd, Waynesboro, PA 17268.
Miller-Bowersox Funeral Home, Greencastle, is handling the arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.bowersoxfuneralhomes.com.
