Anne Marie Zabel

Anne Marie Weimer Zabel, a lifelong learner, faithful Christian, avid traveler, mathematician, computer programmer, mother, and wife died and went to be with Jesus on May 29th. She was 62. Growing up on a farm in the bayou country of Louisiana, Anne was the surprise fifth child of Alice and W. G. Weimer born in 1953. Only a decade older than her many nieces and nephews, Anne had a close relationship with many and inspired them to reach beyond their comfort zone to try new and exciting things. In addition to Louisiana, Anne lived in Mississippi, Alabama, Texas, Calgary Alberta Canada, Virginia, and finally Colorado. Anne was an excellent student, earning both her Bachelor's degree in Math Education and Master's degrees in Mathematics from Nicholls State University. In 1975 she married William Eberhardt, that same year she began her career as one of the first professional women hired in her office at NASA’s George C. Marshall Space Flight Center, where she planned logistics for the Space Shuttle program. She later worked with US Navy geologists to map the seafloor topography of the Pacific “Ring of Fire.” Anne stepped back from her career to raise her two daughters Megan and Wendelyn. Following divorce in 1994 she returned to work as a computer programmer until retiring in 2013 as a web developer for ShopAtHome.com. Anne married Brad Zabel in 1996. During a layoff in a slumping economy, Anne developed a new ministry program for the unemployed that helped many, and served as a model for other churches. Battling cancer became the joint and binding focus of her and Brad’s life following her retirement. Anne was always the picture of grace, determination, courage, and above all faith throughout her life, particularly during her campaign against cancer. Her daughter Megan will miss her Mom’s tempered words of advice in life's storms and her joy regarding anything and everything granddaughter related. Mom was an inspiration about how to be an educated career minded woman, wife, and mother. Her daughter Wendy will miss her Mom’s strong willed inspiration, ability to break barriers, and fearless take charge attitude. She will also miss playing board games and working crossword puzzles together. Her stepdaughter Erin will always respect Anne’s deep faith, devotion to family, and unwavering support through life’s ups and downs. Erin was inspired by her giving nature, love of travel, and ability to speak her truth without hesitation. Her granddaughter Aria will miss playing with her Granny, the sound of her voice, and how she would feed her yummy pears, and seeing her waiting at the bus stop on Fridays. Anne’s husband Brad will deeply miss his dear wife, true soul mate, and partner in faith as well as all other things of nearly 20 years. They were complementary companions to each other in many ways. She is also survived by her siblings Mary Alice (William) Hebert, Richard (Judy) Weimer, Rita Congemi, and John (Mary Jane) Weimer; 19 nieces and nephews and their families and a host of other family and friends. A memorial service will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fort Collins, CO on Monday, June 13th at 11 AM followed immediately by a lunch. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Cancer Research Institute or Redeemer comfort dog ministries. You may make checks payable to Redeemer Lutheran Church with a memo Anne Zabel.

Anne Marie Zabel

May 29, 2016