In Memoriam: Rhiana Zabel, 46, Remembered For Love Of Family, Giving Heart & Fortitude

Rhiana Cherie Zabel, lovingly known as "Rhian," age 46, passed away peacefully, at her home, in Joliet, on Oct. 21, in the warm embrace of her loving husband of 9 years, Todd Zabel and surrounded by her children Sebastian Livingston, Isabella Livingston, and Isaiah Zabel, along with her grandson Zaylen Zabel and her puppies.

She was born on Sept. 26, 1980 in Greenville, North Carolina. Loving “Dotter" to Chaplain Robert (Cheryl) Schoon Sr., Dolores Schoon (nee Deaganio), and Carla (Les) Lewis (nee Nadalin). From an early age, she carried a spirit that was equal parts tender and tenacious that carried into her long time career as a General Manager of Portillos. After earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Business from the University of Phoenix, a milestone that best reflects her determination to persevere, she worked as a Human Resource Associate at Amazon.

Those who knew her best will remember her for her devout love and commitment to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at the Seed of Life Christian Center of Lockport, Illinois; her stubborn attitude towards any fight or obstacle thrown her way; her ability to always know how to share her heart of gold with the world; and most importantly, her immense love for her family. Her presence may no longer be seen, but her love will always be felt. And whenever a butterfly passes you by, pause for a moment, and feel as though she is stopping by to remind you that she is never truly far away.

Sister to David (Amanda) Twiddy, Barbara (Felimon) Martinez (nee Twiddy), Robert (Maria) Schoon Jr., Liam Come, Jerry Cruz, Josh (Brandi) Peterson, Addi (Adam) Ceja (nee Schoon), Alli Schoon, and Drew (Kari) Schoon. Stepsister to Kathleen Cotey and Sarah Cotey. Aunt to Jasmine, Ashley, Mackenzie, Avery, Emerson, Ainsley and many more. Granddaughter to Therese Nadalin (nee Gillio). Cousins with an unbreakable bond to Wendy Russell and Stephanie Mirabelli along with many, many, many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents Richard and Kathryn Schoon of Lansing, Illinois and Marino “Junior” Nadalin Jr. of Monee, Illinois .

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 12:30 p.m. at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, followed by a celebration of life on Friday, Nov. 6, with family and friends welcomed from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at Maple Brook Clubhouse 21635 S. Ridgeland Ave., Matteson.

“Those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” — Proverbs 11:25