Betty McAfee Ziebell

1931 - 2022

Betty McAfee Ziebell
June 22, 2022
Thurmont, Maryland - Betty McAfee Ziebell, age 90, passed peacefully at her beautiful, tranquil, and historic home, surrounded by her family, on June 22, 2022. Born August 1, 1931, to Douglas and Elizabeth Bedell McAfee in Raleigh, NC. Betty attended Needham Broughton HS in Raleigh and Wake Forest University (1951), graduating with a degree in social work. She maintained many friendships from school, a pattern that she continued throughout her life.
The family lived in Raleigh until they moved to a countryside home in Neuse, that lacked modern conveniences. A particular pleasure was soaking in a large, black, outdoor bathtub in water heated by the sun. Soaking in a clawfoot bathtub remained a cherished ritual. Betty ran a summer camp for inner city children from the family home in Neuse. She also worked for the Red Cross to support the war effort, and later became a social worker in the Raleigh metro area. Betty was a lifelong advocate for education and mentored students with reading disabilities.
Betty married Peter Ziebell in 1955. In 1958, one day after the birth of their second child, they purchased a 1940 school bus for $385. After minor renovations, they packed their belonging and two babies, Don, 20 months old, and Kurt, 1 month old, into the bus to move from Boulder, Colorado, to Flint, Michigan. This adventure of several weeks was reported by numerous newspapers. The trip, filled with challenges and difficulties, strengthened her belief that "people are good- the state, the country, and the world over." Betty had a love of people, an optimistic outlook, and an adventurous spirit. She described the trip as "a nice fling before settling down to maturity and practicality."
In 1964, they purchased a 250-year-old home in McLean, Virginia that had been a historic inn. It had great character but needed significant restoration. This established the pattern for Betty of purchasing and working on historic homes. In 1969, the family moved to Utica, Maryland. Betty continued to raise her family while restoring the house and several outbuildings on the property. The Utica home remained her beloved residence for the next 53 years.
Betty became a real estate agent who specialized in historic properties in Frederick County. She was a leader in early efforts to encourage the preservation of Frederick's wealth of beautiful old houses and buildings.
A favorite poem: Let me live in my house by the side of the road. And be a friend to man (Foss), expresses Betty's love for others. Her house by the side of the road was a gathering place for people of all ages, backgrounds, and interests. She was able to recognize and appreciate the best qualities of each person and, as a result, she had many close friends. She touched our lives and leaves us with an uplifting and enduring legacy of special moments.
Betty is preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Jennifer Johanna Ziebell, in 1982. They were kindred spirits who shared an excitement and passion for life. Jeni's exuberance remained in Betty's heart for the remainder of her years.
She is also preceded in death by her siblings: brother Don D. McAfee, who, through love, guidance, and generosity, became a mentor for the extended family; and sisters, Irene McAfee Moore, and Susan McAfee Moody who brought life and laughter to any setting. Carl Simms, a close friend and companion for over 40 years, recently passed.
Betty is survived by her children: Donald, daughter Anna and his wife, Inga, Flagstaff AZ; Kurt, son Vincent and daughter Virginia, Roseboro NC; and Michael, daughters Zoe and Calla, and his wife, Deanna, Nanjemoy MD.
She is also survived by nieces and nephews Peggy Stumpf, Vick and Doug Moore, Peggy, Scott, and Bill Moody and their families.
There will be a celebration of life ceremony and picnic at Mt. Tabor Church Park, 13616 Motters Station Rd, Rocky Ridge MD 21788, Sunday, July 31 at 2 pm. mziebell60@gmail.com Memorial gifts to Mt. Tabor Park.