Diane L Zabel

Diane Louise (Duquin) Zabel March 25, 1938 – December 1, 2024

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Diane Louise (Duquin) Zabel, age 86, a cherished member of the Timber Pines community in Spring Hill, FL, and formerly of Wilson, NY.  Diane passed away peacefully on December 1, 2024, surrounded by her loving family and close friends, entering into eternal rest.  Diane will be remembered by many as a devoted dance teacher, confidant, and caretaker.  Her legacy is defined by her unwavering dedication to family, her contributions to the arts, and her volunteer work in every community she called home. Throughout her life, Diane's generosity, kindness, and giving back to others touched countless lives.
She was the beloved wife of Peter P. Zabel Sr. for 61 years.  Diane is also survived by her four children: Cheryl Zabel (Grand Island, NY), Peter Jr. (Kathy) Zabel (Youngstown, NY), Frederick W. (Kim) Zabel IV (Clarence, NY), and Melissa (Michael) Murphy (Lewiston, NY), along with her grandchildren: Meahgan Murphy, Kelly (Conner) Levinsky, Zachary Zabel, Kelsey Zabel, and Matthew Zabel, and her great-grandchildren, Maddox and Molly Levinsky. She leaves behind a devoted extended family, including her sisters Joyce (Donald) Irving, Carol (James) Beaver, brother-in-law David Bening, sister-in-law Louise (Dale) Zabel, and sister-in-law Connie (James) Duquin, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Diane was preceded in death by her husband, Peter Sr., her parents, Elmer and Doris (Hanley) Duquin, her sister Lois (Duquin )Bening, her brother James Duquin,  brother-in-law Dale Zabel and sister-in-law Joy (Zabel) Rapp.

Diane was born on March 25, 1938, in Buffalo, NY, and grew up on Woodward Avenue.  She attended Bennett High School, where she met her future husband, Peter. From a young age, Diane loved to dance, often entertaining her family with impromptu performances around the house.  Her love for dance became the cornerstone of her life’s work.  At the age of eight, she began formal dance lessons in Buffalo, and by the age of 18, she opened her own dance studio on Fillmore Avenue.  Her dedication to dance and her students continued for more than six decades, moving her studio from Buffalo to Wilson, NY, and later to Main Street Newfane, NY, where her studio became a beloved fixture in the community for nearly 50 years.

As a teacher, Diane was known for her grace, discipline, and ability to instill confidence in her students.  She was a member of Dance Masters of America and the National Association of Dance and Affiliated Artists. In 1994, Diane was recognized for her outstanding contributions to the arts by the International Women’s Decade. She enjoyed teaching students the intricacies of movement and expression that is a great part of dance. Tap was her favorite style, especially shuffle hop toe flap ball change, “I really loved how you can move about and use your arms” she was quoted saying not long before her passing.
Diane’s community involvement extended beyond dance. She was a committed volunteer with the Town of Wilson’s summer recreation program serving as director for several years and worked on numerous musical productions.  Diane and her family were members of the Wilson Snow mobile Club and spent summers at the TYC Sailing Club.  Most memorably, the family enjoyed their summers at the Duquin family’s summer home in Long Beach, Canada—Green Gables— a place where water skiing, card playing and good ol’ summer fun took place.  These memories will be cherished by many that came to stay and play on the beach with the Duquin clan.
Diane was deeply committed to helping others. She was a devoted supporter of Opportunities Unlimited, an organization that provided services to her daughter Cheryl. In addition, Diane served on the board of the NewfaneI Inter community Hospital for several years.  Upon retiring to Spring Hill, FL in 2000, Diane continued her legacy of service by becoming an active member of the Timber Pines community. In 2005, she and Peter led a remarkable Support Our Troops campaign, sending over 5,000 care packages to service members overseas. Diane served as President of the Snowbirds Club of Timber Pines from 2009 to 2012, and was instrumental in organizing the 25th anniversary celebration of the club in November 2023. Diane was also an active member of Nativity Lutheran Church in Brooksville, FL.

A service to celebrate Diane’s life will be held at Nativity Lutheran Church, 6363 Commercial Way, Brooksville, FL, on January 7,2025 at 11:00am.  A private interment will take place at Forrest Lawn Cemetery Buffalo, NY.

In spring 2025, a celebration of Diane's life will be held for her many devoted dance students, families, and friends in WNY.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Hospice Chapters Health Foundation, 12470 Telecom Dr. Suite 301, Temple Terrace, FL 33637.

Diane’s memory will live on through the countless lives she touched with her kindness, generosity, and dedication to teaching and caring for others. She will be deeply missed but forever cherished by her family, friends, and students.

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