Even though her life was short, Zan had an effect on those around her that made it difficult for anyone she met to ever forget her. She had a unique ability to draw people to her, greeting them with natural affection and a warm and irrepressible smile. Barely able to contain her energy, Zan never just entered a room but came bursting in. Her joyful enthusiasm was infectious, and she soon had everyone she encountered sharing in her many passions.
As a student at HW Mountz School in Spring Lake, Zan loved playing basketball and soccer, and was a team as well as a classroom leader. Her artwork still graces an outdoor wall mural next to the playground. Zan was also a devoted animal lover, and cared deeply about the environment. Her greatest interest, however, was in people. Her love for her family and friends was so great that, as she once explained sadly to her grandmother, she didn’t have enough time to finish praying for all of them before falling asleep at night.
Zan’s love was the inspiration for this foundation. Those who were fortunate enough to have shared in her life would all agree that the decision to donate her organs was one she would have come to herself. As one of her friends remarked, she made everyone a better person.
