Obituary of Irene Carla Linzmayer

Irene Carla Linzmayer, 78, passed away September 25, 2020, at her home in Morris Plains, New Jersey, from cancer. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Webb Linzmayer; her children, Neil (Maria Monge), Owen, Jill Cecere (Michael), and Gail Devine (Gregory); as well as her grandchildren, Matthew, Cara, Robin, Neil, Griffin, Gibson, and Grayson; and her younger sister, Gloria Thompson of Brookline, Massachusetts. “Rene" was born to parents Ellison and Irmgard (Jantzen) Thompson, September 26, 1941 in New York. Her family moved from the bustling Bronx to bucolic Rumson, New Jersey. She graduated from Rumson High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from Saint Lawrence University. During a summer break from college, Irene met her future husband Webb at a evening beach party at Sandlass Beach near Sandy Hook. While raising four free-range children with Webb, Irene found time to start her own business, For a Doll House, specializing in beautifully painted hand-crafted miniatures, an extension of her love of Barbie dolls. She was an avid buyer and seller of collectibles, rarely failing to stop at a garage sale to replenish her inventory, which she resold at various flea markets and antique centers. She had a keen eye for unique and valuable items, and instilled her appreciation for old and odd things in her children. Irene also taught her family the value of a dollar, earning the title of "Coupon Queen" for her ability to shrewdly combine coupons, discounts, and rebates to bring home bags of free groceries. Irene’s heart was large, and her love extended beyond her family to embrace animals of all kinds. Over the years, her house was home to numerous cats, dogs, birds, snakes, raccoons, hamsters, gerbils, turtles, and guinea pigs. In accordance with Irene’s wishes, there will be no public ceremony. In lieu of sending flowers or food, friends are urged to vote in the coming election. Also, donations may be made in her name to the Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter, (973) 386-0590, https://njshelter.org.