Retired Wildwood teacher, Emily Zell, creative artist, inspirational teacher, loving mother and a sister to Alexandra (ZiZi) Zell, died peacefully, aged 70, at home on October 28, 2019, supported by family and friends.
Emily was a devoted mother to her daughters, Angela D’Avella and Alexandra (Lexi) D’Avella who passed away in 2018. Emily was also a caring step-mom to David, Becky, and Annie Hobbs, and a loving grandparent to Amara Sky and Damien.
Emily spent the majority of her working years in public preschools and elementary schools, enjoying a career of over 20 years at Wildwood Elementary. Emily’s creativity abounded. She was a prolific writer, knitter, quilter, and painter. Emily loved color and shape and used traditional and eclectic forms to create art. Emily thrived on building friendships, hosting social gatherings, and bringing people together.
After her retirement from Wildwood Elementary in 2010, Emily became a history docent at the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA). Those wishing to make a memorial donation in honor of Emily are asked to consider the OMCA, which was dear to her heart. Donations will support innovative programming, school field trips, and community gatherings. Emily’s vibrant personality is sorely missed. Plans are in progress for a Celebration of Life in March 2020.
I did not know Emily passed. She was such a lovely person, caring, kind and lovely.
I went to Lincoln with Emily. I visited her at home a couple of times and met Alexandra. It is so strange that after all these years, I felt so strongly compelled to find her. I was very sad to learn about her death from cancer. Emily grew up to be such a wonderful, accomplished teacher, mother and artist. I wish I would have looked for her sooner. I am a retired counseling psychologist and a cancer survivor. I wish her family well.