Grace Zabel

Grace Zabel obituary, Los Alamos, NM

Grace Zabel

Grace Zabel Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from May 3 to May 17, 2018.
Grace Kamerling Zabel died in her home in Boulder on April 9, 2018. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, she was the oldest child of John Garrett Kamerling, a lawyer, and Catherine Grace Debbink, a piano teacher. Taught by her mother, Grace played the piano and enjoyed summers at the family cottage on Lac La Belle. She attended Lawrence College in Appleton, Wis., where she received a BA in psychology and met her future husband, Carroll Wayne Zabel. After their marriage in 1943, they moved to Cambridge, Mass., where she worked as an administrative assistant and Carroll enrolled in the PhD program in physics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and worked at the MIT Radiation Lab. While in Boston, Grace had three children: Ellen Jeanne, Barbara Beth, and Garrett Edward. In 1949, the family piled into an old Ford and drove across country to begin a new life in New Mexico, where Carroll accepted a position at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. Grace was involved in various volunteer activities and in raising her children, whom she ferried to music lessons, sporting events, and appointments in Santa Fe, a favorite family destination for opera, shopping, and dining.
In 1964 the family moved to Houston, Texas, where Carroll held professorial and administrative positions at the University of Houston, and Grace entered the graduate program in psychology. After receiving a Master's degree in 1969, she worked as a psychologist in the Houston Independent School District and joined several professional organizations. During the summers, Grace and Carroll retreated to their mountain cabin near Crested Butte, Colo., where they frequently hosted their expanding family. They also traveled widely in Europe, Russia, New Zealand and Australia. Grace and Carroll both retired in 1984 and relocated to Boulder, where they enjoyed outdoor activities, concerts at Chautauqua, and events at the University.
For all who knew her, Grace truly exemplified her name. She was predeceased by her husband and her sister, Ruth Mary Klotz. She is survived by her brother Garrett John Kamerling; her children and their partners: Ellen Seale Durst and Peter Durst, Barbara Zabel and Tom Couser, and Garry and Thelma Zabel; four grandchildren: Jennifer Bajaj, Geoffrey Seale, Amber French, and Andrew Zabel; and six great-grandchildren. The family is planning a celebration of Grace's life at a later date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Grace Zabel's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

May 18, 2018

ellen seale posted to the memorial.

May 17, 2018

Ryan posted to the memorial.

May 13, 2018

Barbara posted to the memorial.

ellen seale

May 18, 2018

I miss you, Mom. Everyday. I just want to call you
to see how your day was and tell you about mine.
I love you.
Your daughter
Ellen

Ryan

May 17, 2018

I first met Grace (and Carroll), in the spring of 1997, after I began dating their grand daughter, Amber. They immediately welcomed me into their home, often for Sunday brunch, where Grace introduced me to our now weekly tradition of Swedish oven pancakes. From the beginning I've always felt she treated me as her grandson, and I've seen her as my grandmother as well. That's just the type of person she was. I'm so thankful for the time we were able to spend together over the years, and for the positive influence she has been on my family's lives.

Barbara

May 13, 2018

A candle for you on Mother's Day. I miss you... Love from your daughter, Barbara

Best friends in Los Alamos, Elizabeth Orndoff and Grace Zabel, two years ago

Grace Zabel

May 7, 2018

Grace with her children, Barbara, Ellen and Garry in front of their house on Trinity Drive, 1957

Grace Zabel

May 7, 2018

Grace and Carroll Zabel on their wedding day, 1943

Grace Zabel

May 7, 2018

Photo taken by Grace of her kids at Los Alamos Skating Rink, 1957

Grace Zabel

May 7, 2018

Grace with her daughters, Ellen and Barbara in Los Alamos, 1950

Grace Zabel

May 7, 2018

Kay Cook

May 7, 2018

To Barbara and Tom, whom we know, and to the rest of the family: We were so privileged to know Grace. We offer heartfelt condolences. May light perpetual shine upon her! Kay Cook and Doug Burger

Gabrielle

May 4, 2018

I am so sorry for your great loss. May the God who heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds sustain your family during this challenging time. (Psalm 147:3)

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Sign Grace Zabel's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

May 18, 2018

ellen seale posted to the memorial.

May 17, 2018

Ryan posted to the memorial.

May 13, 2018

Barbara posted to the memorial.