Louise Purwin Zobel

Louise Purwin Zobel Jan. 10, 1922 - June 9, 2008 Louise Purwin Zobel passed away June 9 in Cupertino at the age of 86. She was the widow of Dr. Jerome Zobel, to whom she was married for 55 years. Louise is survived by her loving children Lennie Harris (Tom) of Ventura, Jan Zobel of Oakland, Bob Zobel (Karen) of Florida, and Audrey Dollinger (Todd) of Oregon. She also leaves behind her grandchildren Rahbeka Hall Harris (Josh), Grant Harris (Jasmine), Rachael Thomas (Trent), Lauren Spitzer (Seth), Kevin Zobel, Sara Dollinger, and Seth Dollinger. The daughter of Leo and Ethel Purwin, Louise was born in Laredo, Texas and grew up in Los Angeles. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Stanford University in 1943 and in that year she also married the love of her life, Jerome Zobel. Louise and Jerry lived in San Francisco for a number of years and moved to Palo Alto in the mid-fifties. They remained residents there until 1991when they moved to The Forum in Cupertino. From an early age, Louise wanted to be a writer. During the war she worked as a journalist at United Press. Over her lifetime, Louise's articles were published in hundreds of local and national magazines and newspapers. In 1976, she returned to Stanford to earn her Masters in Communications. Louise taught writing classes at Foothill and DeAnza Colleges as well as at Stanford, the University of California, and other colleges. Her book The Travel Writers Handbook was first published in 1980 and the newest edition came out in 2007. Louise and Jerry traveled extensively throughout the world, both for pleasure and work. While Louise wrote articles about their travels, Jerry took photos. Together they served as cruise lecturers on a number of ships and presented travel programs in various parts of the world. Over the years, Louise was active in the PTA, AAUW, Friends of the Palo Alto Public Library, the Children's Health Council, California Writers, and many other organizations. Private services have been held. Donations may be made to Friends of the Palo Alto Library at P. O. Box 41, Palo Alto, CA 94302, Pathways Hospice Foundation at 585 N. Mary Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94085, or a charity of your choice.