Obituary of Jennifer Zink DeSario

Jennifer Zink DeSario, of Tewksbury, formerly of Burlington, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 15, 2025. She was 51 years old.

Jennifer was born in Lowell, MA, and was the cherished daughter of Eric and Joan Zink. A 1991 graduate of Burlington High School, she earned an associate degree from Middlesex Community College before obtaining a degree in Dental Hygiene from Mount Ida College in 2004, with Summa Cum Laude distinction. Jennifer subsequently worked as a registered dental hygienist for over a decade before making the selfless decision to leave the workforce and dedicate herself to raising her beloved children.

Family was at the heart of Jennifer’s life. She met her husband, Steven, while working in the operating rooms at Lahey Clinic. They married in the summer of 2004 in Salem, MA, and settled in Tewksbury in 2006, where they built a beautiful life together. Their home was filled with love, laughter, and warmth, and it was a place where their two daughters, Ava and Emma, were the center of their world. Jennifer was a loving, playful, and fiercely devoted mother. She found joy in life’s simplest moments, from teaching her children how to tie-dye and crafting seasonal projects with neighborhood kids, to supporting her daughters in their schoolwork. She also regularly volunteered at Heath Brook School when her girls were young, cherishing the opportunity to be involved in their lives.

A true adventurer at heart, Jennifer once spent nearly a month on a road trip across the U.S. to witness firsthand the country’s breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders. She also treasured making memories with her family, from their 2023 trip to Niagara Falls and their visit to Vermont in 2024 to witness the solar eclipse, to countless trips to Hampton Beach, which was her favorite beach getaway. Her adventurous spirit led her to explore Old Orchard Beach, Las Vegas, Disney World, Sanibel Island, Santa’s Village, and more with her family and other loved ones. She loved introducing her daughters to new experiences, such as hiking the peaks of Pine Mountain in NH and Jiminy Peak Mountain in western MA, or driving the Mount Washington Auto Road. Holiday traditions, like viewing festive lights, brought her immense joy, as did sharing her love for music across nearly every genre. Jennifer’s greatest joy came from bringing smiles to her family’s faces, as she always made them feel cherished and adored every single day.

Her love extended beyond her immediate family to her parents and siblings. Always thoughtful and kind, she was the first to offer a helping hand, unwavering in her support and love.

Though her family faces a heartbreaking loss, Jennifer’s legacy is a magical one of love, light, and unforgettable memories. She leaves a lasting imprint on the hearts of all who knew her, and her spirit will live on in the love she so freely gave.

Jennifer was the beloved wife of Steven DeSario and the loving mother of Ava and Emma DeSario of Tewksbury, and their adorable cat, Alvin Mittens. She was the cherished daughter of Joan Zink of Burlington and the late Eric Zink, and the dear sister of Billy Zink of Burlington and Katherine Lynch & her husband Dan of Litchfield, NH. She was also the niece of Jeff Zink, Cathy Simmons, and Diane Page. Jennifer was the childhood and lifelong best friend of Kim Silver of Billerica.

A memorial visitation will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington, on Saturday, March 22, from 3-6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jennifer’s name may be made to Breakthrough T1D (formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation), or by mail to 62 Walnut Street, #5, Wellesley, MA 02481. For an online guestbook and video tribute, visit www.sullivanfuneralhome.net.