Helen Elizabeth (née Young) Zabel, 88, passed away peacefully on Feb. 11, 2013.

She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Louis Zabel on Feb. 1, 1999.  Helen is survived by sons Kurt (Pauline), Craig (Diane), and Walter (Laurie); grandchildren Zachary, Rebecca, and Robert; and sister Dorothy Knox.

She was raised on a farm near Niles, Mich., and graduated from Michigan State University. She lived in Edina, Minn., from 1957 to 1995. She had been a resident of Friendship Village, Bloomington, Minn., since 1995.

She was a loving mother and grandmother, a devout member of Christ Presbyterian Church of Edina, and a talented artist and teacher of calligraphy.

Her energetic spirit and her joy with what is wonderful in the world will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held in Friendship Hall at Friendship Village of Bloomington (8100 Highwood Dr.) at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 15.  Memorials preferred to Edina Art Center or the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.