Raymonde B. Zobel

Raymonde Boucher Zobel (Monnie to those who knew her, and to those who couldn’t figure out how to say her first name appropriately) of Downingtown (although honestly, she viewed herself a resident of West Chester after living in and around that area for decades) died October 9th, 2018.

Her death follows the deaths of other family members which took its toll on her, namely her first born child, Robert; her second born son, Richard, and her husband, Dick.

She is survived by a passel of relatives and others who frequently considered themselves an extension of her brood. Most notably, her remaining children, Kate Mamorsky and Chris Zobel (and their spouses, Leo and Polly), and grandchildren, Alexandra, Jacqueline, Kaziah, Nina, and Sam. This crew of children and grandchildren supplied her with enough love and laughter to fill the universe and beyond, for which she was eternally grateful.

Monnie’s life began in Muskegon, Michigan with two older sisters and parents whom she adored. She met Dick at Michigan State University, graduated MSU, then moved to West Chester, PA shortly after their wedding.

Generationally-speaking, Monnie may have been labeled a housewife. However, like much in her life, she defied labels. After the birth of her son, Robert, who was born with multiple disabilities, she provided him with both physical and occupational therapy on a daily basis. She worked for and with Dick as his assistant throughout all his business ventures while providing her family, friends, and neighborhood with home-cooked meals and homemade baked goods…rendering our home a home for many! She sang beautifully, dressed impeccably (even in jeans), sewed outfits that were the talk of the town, and at various times worked as a substitute teacher, realtor, and committee member while being an extraordinary mother and grandmother. All that, and a deep love of all the arts, including an insatiable appetite for reading, made this woman a force to be reckoned with on practically any topic.

Perhaps most critically, she and Dick, impacted by their son, Robert, co-founded Handi-Crafters, a concept and place that provided education and training for adults with disabilities. It remains a successful institution today in Thorndale, PA.

She was, in short, a consummate passionate human with a keen intellect, and the finest sense of dry humor. To quote many who knew her, “She was an extraordinary person.” Quite the package.

A graveside memorial service is scheduled for November 21st at 1pm at St. Agnes Cemetery, 1050 High Street (Pottstown Pike), West Chester, PA, 19380. Friends and associates are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her name to Handi-Crafters, Inc. of Thorndale, Pa, would be greatly appreciated. 215 Barley Sheaf Rd. P.O. Box 72646, Thorndale, PA 19372, 610-384-6990, info@handi-crafters.org.

To send online condolences, visit www.jamesterryfuneralhome.com.

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