Frances Pirotte Zink

Lafayette – Frances Pirotte Zink, formerly of Lafayette Louisiana, passed away February 8, 2019 Haven of Our Lady of Peace in Pensacola, Florida. Frances was born on August 29, 1923 to Henry and Catherine Pirotte in Downs, Kansas. She attended high school in Downs, Kansas and received a Bachelor of Science from Marymount College in Salina, Kansas. 

After a year of teaching, she moved to New Orleans, Louisiana to begin working at Charity Hospital. While working there, she received her Medical Technology degree and met her future husband, William L. Zink, MD. They were married in 1948. When they left New Orleans they moved to Lafayette, Louisiana.

Frances, a.k.a Fran and Gramme, received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Southwestern Louisiana in 1962. She began teaching at Ascension Day School and Edgar Martin Elementary in Lafayette Louisiana, while working on her Masters of Arts degree. After receiving her degree from the University of Southwestern Louisiana in 1967, she received a secondary Masters of Educational Specialist in 1969. Fran joined the faculty at University of Southwestern Louisiana and taught there until she retired in 1999 at the age of seventy-six. She was an elected member of the honor society of Phi Kappa Phi at Louisiana State University in 1972 and received her Doctor of Philosophy from Louisiana State University in 1973. 

Fran was a firm believer and proponent of the importance of early learning in children. In 1993, she was awarded the Outstanding Teaching Award from USL Foundation and was credited as a pioneer in the field of an innovative teaching method combining computers and laser discs. When she began teaching at the university, there were no computers in her department and she was an advocate for computer literacy for all graduates. Part of her contribution toward computer literacy was a two-year interactive video project that gained state, national and international attention. Her application of technology to science instruction made her a leader in reaching the goals of both America 2000 and Louisiana 2000. She participated in the development of the science and social studies curriculum and incorporated the most advanced technology in her teaching.

Fran’s talents were not limited to academia. She enjoyed painting and arranging flowers. She was a gourmet cook and loved entertaining. She just loved being with people. She was also involved in several organizations and served on the board and as president of Les Vingt-Quatre, Lafayette Museum Association, L’Avenir, and the Lafayette Parish Medical Society Alliance.

Fran is preceded in death by her husband, William L. Zink, MD, parents, Henry and Catherine Pirotte, siblings, James Pirotte, John Pirotte, and Thomas Pirotte, and in-laws Donald Zink (Hermine), and John Fritschen. Fran is survived by her siblings and their spouses, Patricia Fritchsen and Dr. Richard Pirotte (MaryAnn), Ann Pirotte, Rosaire Pirotte and Doris Pirotte. 

Fran is survived by her children, Dr. William Zink (Joan) of Orlando, Florida, Catherine Blackwell (Jim) of Houston, Texas, Frances Hodnette (Brooks) of Pensacola, Florida, and Margaret Sutton (Ross) of Arlington, Texas; her grandchildren, Nancy Chapman (Guy), Joseph Zink, James Blackwell (Emily), Berry Blackwell, Hunter Blackwell (Christine), William Hodnette (Rachel), Christopher Hodnette (Joanie), Jonathan Hodnette (Kaye), Scott Sutton, Lauren Green (Stefan), Michael Sutton (Michelle) and great-grandchildren, Karson, Kate, Ann Frances, Kendall, Mary Claire, James, Georgia, William, Khloe, Christopher, Margot, Josie and many nieces and nephews. 

The family would like to thank the Haven of Our Lady of Peace, Life Care Center, the Waterford at Carpenter’s Creek of Pensacola, Florida, and the many caregivers, nurses and physicians that provided love and care for Frances. She was greatly loved and will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be at Delhomme Funeral Home from 6:00 – 8:00 pm on Friday, February 15, 2019. Service will be Saturday, February 16, 2019 at 11:00 am at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension located at 1030 Johnston Street, Lafayette, Louisiana. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Episcopal Church of the Ascension, Lafayette, Louisiana; Christ Church, Pensacola, Florida; Alexandre Mouton House; or the charitable organization of your choice. 

Personal condolences may be sent to the Zink family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com. 

Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, LA is in charge of funeral arrangements.