In Loving Memory of Marie Ehret Koelbel
June 11, 1939 – December 29, 2019
Marie Ehret Koelbel, Age 80, of Carolina Shores, NC, formerly of Chatham, NJ, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2019. Marie was surrounded by her children as she entered into eternal rest, having lived for the past two years at Cedar Crest Senior Living in Pompton Plains, NJ.
She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend.
Marie was known for her kindness, bright smile, and dedication to family and friends. Her accomplishments as a watercolor artist reflected the depth of talent in her family.
Born in Miami, FL, Marie moved to the Vailsburg section of, Newark, NJ. She was a graduate of St. Vincent Academy for Girls, Class of 1957.
Marie married her high school sweetheart, Donald Koelbel, in April of 1959, and moved to Chatham, NJ to raise her family.
She lived in Chatham for over 35 years, having worked on Main Street at the Chatham Pharmacy and Window on Main Hair Salon.
Marie spent her life developing her artistic talents by taking classes and working in her small home studio. She was an active member of the New Jersey Watercolor Association, and won many local art show competitions.
Upon retiring, she continued to paint after moving to Carolina Shores, NC. There, Marie enjoyed the warm weather, swimming, the vast Grand Strand beaches. She made many new friends, while maintaining strong ties with fellow Chatham, NJ friends who retired in the same area.
She is preceded in death by her parents John (Jack) Ehret, father, and Mildred Confroy, mother, and her loving husband for 58 years, Donald Charles Koelbel.
Marie is survived by her children, Donna Koelbel, Waldwick, NJ; Brian Koelbel (Tracy Ryan Koelbel) of Boston, MA; Andrea Koelbel Brennan (John J. Brennan), Media, PA, and her beloved grandchildren, Matthew Koelbel, Michael Alvarez, John A. and Katie Brennan.
Marie is also survived by her in-laws, Jay and Janet Koelbel, Greenfield Center, NY, and Sharon Smith, Reisterstown, MD.
A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, January 18 at 12:00 (noon) at the Cedar Crest Senior Living Community Chapel, with a reception to follow at the same location.
Address: One Cedar Crest Drive, Pompton Plains, NJ, 07444.
Flowers can be sent to the Cedar Crest Chapel on Friday, January 17, to the attention of “Koelbel Family Service.”