MONTPERIER: K. URSULA ZELLER…."She walks in beauty like the night" – this line by Lord Byron appeared under Kathryn Ursula Zeller's high school graduation picture. Known as "Ursula" to her family and friends and "Ray-Ray" to her granddaughter and great-grandsons, she passed away from natural causes on June 3, 2011 with her two daughters at her side; she was 93 years old. Ursula was born in 1917 in Brooklyn, NY but moved to NJ as a child. She remained in NJ raising her family until after her husband of 50 years, Louis, died in 1986. An avid bowler, bridge player, reader and crossword aficionado, she was active in many organizations in NJ. In 1989 she brought her volunteering spirit to Vermont – to be closer to her daughters. Her volunteering activities included Porter Hospital, CVMC Gift and Benefit Shops, Vermont Historical Society and Lt. Governor Barbara Snelling's office. More recently Ursula could be found at the Kellogg-Hubbard Library several days a week or at Lost Nation Theater where she volunteered as an usher for matinees and at mailing parties. Because of her achievements in her community, Ursula received a Certificate of Recognition from the Vermont's Healthy Aging Initiative. Ursula spent her last six months as a resident of the Berlin Health and Rehabilitation Center where she became fast friends with residents and staff alike. He daughters cannot thank the wonderful staff at BHRC enough for all of their efforts on Ursula's behalf…outstanding care in a truly caring and compassionate environment. She will be remembered for her strength, great wit, concern for others and willingness to help.
Ursula is survived by her daughters, Patricia A. McDonald and Susan A. Zeller; son-in-law J. Bruce McDonald; granddaughter, Stacey Katen, two great-grandsons; Zacary & Ryan Covert; and several nieces and nephews. At Ursula's request the family will have a private service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: Berlin Health & Rehab Center, 98 Hospitality Drive, Barre, VT 05641; the Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main Street, Montpelier, VT 05602; or Lost Nations Theater, 139 Main Street, Montpelier, VT 05602.