Marie Jeanne Zabel, Spokane, WA, passed away on February 23, 2022 after a battle with Progressive Primary Aphasia(PPA). Marie was born on December 24, 1939 to Robert & Jeanne Melton in Norwalk, CA. She graduated from Excelsior High School, Norwalk, CA in 1957. In 1954, she met Ernest H. Gilmour, and they wed in 1958, going on to have 3 children, Ernest Henry Gilmour, William Bryce Gilmour and Nadine Marie Gilmour.

When Marie had Ernie Jr., she decided to dedicate her life to being a fantastic and wonderful mother. She went on to study Nursing in Spokane, WA in 1974. After graduation, she landed her first job as a Registered Nurse(RN) at Deaconess Hospital for 3 years. She then went on to work for the Cheney Care Center as the Head Nurse, Weight Watchers and for Dr. Bender. Marie was a dedicated mother, grandmother, and great grandmother always providing her family with love and support for their many passions and challenges of their lives. She made it her mission to improve the lives of others. Not only in her work environments but in her own family. Marie remarried in  1980 to a wonderful man, Walt Zabel. Together they have enjoyed many experiences and life adventures.   Marie was a passionate and extremely creative woman who had many hobbies; reading, horseback riding, cooking, gardening, belly dancing, square dancing, guitar, painting, knitting, spinning wool and weaving, lead glass designs and many more crafts. When she wasn’t filling her home with warmth and kindness, she could be found making yet another beautiful creation for a friend or lucky family member. Everyone she touched in this life will miss her greatly. Marie was predeceased by Robert Melton (Father), Jeanne Melton (Mother), Ernest Gilmour Jr. (Son) and William Gilmour (Son). She is survived by Walt Zabel (Husband), Nadine Madrazo (Daughter), Michael Madrazo (Son-in-law), Lanie Hatch (Granddaughter), Cooper Madrazo (Grandson), Mabel Hatch (Great Granddaughter), Merle Hatch (Great Grandson), Dani Gilmour (Granddaughter), Eric Gilmour (Grandson), Alex Gilmour (Grandson),  Shawn Gilmour (Grandson), Kristy Gilmour (Granddaughter), Lily Gilmour (Great Granddaughter), Kathy Zabel (Step Daughter), Chase Zabel (Step Grandson), Cindy  Wicklund (Step Daughter), Jacinda          (Step Granddaughter) and Kyle Mc Quellon (Step Grandson) The family requests that all flowers and notes are sent to Cheney Funeral Chapel, 1632 West 1st Street, Cheney, WA 99004. There will be a funeral service on March 5, Saturday, 12:00 at Cheney Funeral Chapel, 1632 West 1st Street, Cheney, WA 99004.