Arabel Ely Diamant

Arabel Ely Diamant (nee Wagner) passed away Monday 8 July 2019 at her home in Madison, Alabama. Arabel was born 18 October 1936 in Reading, Pennsylvania, near her hometown of Hamburg. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Alan; sons, Bryce and Kevin; daughters-in-law, Kathleen and Susan; and Grandchildren, Hannah, Grant and Leslie.

Arabel pursued studies at Penn State University, the Sorbonne in France, University of Pennsylvania, University of Maryland, Georgetown University and in continuing education in Alabama.

A dedicated educator, she taught French and English to Speakers of Other Languages in high schools in Havre De Grace and Silver Spring, Maryland.  After retirement, she volunteered as a French teacher in adult continuing education in Huntsville, Alabama. She furthered her own education in advanced French language and culture.

Arabel was an active member of women’s clubs in Maryland and Alabama.  A literature and history buff, she enjoyed reading and book discussions. Her hobbies included knitting and Bridge. She enjoyed classical and popular music and played piano for nursing home residents and at family gatherings.

She was active in the Women’s Rights movement, participating in political discourse and demonstrations in Washington, DC.

Arabel attended Huntsville Senior Softball games, often volunteering as scorekeeper. She was an avid Baltimore Orioles baseball fan, having attended many of their games in Baltimore, and attended Huntsville Stars games in Huntsville. She loved sports, played basketball in high school, and attended baseball and soccer games played by her children and grandchildren.

Visitation at Legacy Chapel in Madison, 25 July 2019 from 11 am to 1 pm; followed by a celebration of life at 1 pm.

Arabel was a volunteer collector for The March of Dimes and, in lieu of flowers, we suggest contributing in her honor. https://www.marchofdimes.org/giving/support-general.aspx