Eda Zahl

Zahl, Eda
Eda Seasongood Field Zahl, a longtime Greenwich resident, died at her home October 25, 2013, one week short of her 87th birthday.
Eda was born October 30, 1926 in Long Branch, New Jersey. As a little girl, she became well known as the accompanist to her sister, the violinist Joan Field. She attended the New York Academy of Dramatic Art.
In 1946 she married Dr. Paul A. Zahl, who later became the Senior Natural Scientist of the National Geographic Society.
Mrs. Zahl was her husband's editor throughout his career as a prolific writer of nature books, research articles, and popular photo essays for the National Geographic Magazine, where their two children frequently appeared. She accompanied him all over the world, including the trip where he discovered the world's tallest tree. She was the first person ever to appear on the cover of the Geographic.
In middle years, she returned to the theater, where she acted in professional productions of "The Skin of Our Teeth", "Quilters", and "Exit the King". She also became a very active member of the American Wagner Society and edited their newsletter.
Eda never met a stranger! From the streets of Greenwich to the subways of New York, she was in conversation with the people she met. She was also a keen supporter of the Greenwich Public Library, spending time there several days a week.
In recent years Eda attended First Church of Christ, Scientist, Greenwich. Her religion was a great source of comfort.
Eda is survived by her children: Eda K. Zahl, of Los Angeles; and Paul F.M. Zahl, of Winter Garden FL. She is also survived by three grand-children: John A. Zahl, of Charleston, SC; David W.F. Zahl, of Charlottesville, VA; and Simeon McL. Zahl, of Oxford, England. She also had five great-grandchildren. In later life, Eda was accompanied by James Tetreault, a professor of European literature.
Her friends and family are all warmly invited to a graveside service this Wednesday, October 30th at 1 pm at Putnam Cemetery, Greenwich.