Annabelle Zeck Waldbillig

Word has been received of the passing of Annabelle Zeck Waldbillig, age 83, of Albany, New York. Annabelle was born, December 15, 1937, the first offspring of parents, George and Alice (Wolfe) Zeck. Annabelle was raised on the family farm north of Washington in Jackson Township. Her K-8 education was at Jackson Center, a one room school house. She then attended Washington High School graduating in 1956. She furthered her education at the University of Iowa where she received a B.A. and also graduated Magna Cum Laude with an M.A. in Spanish and Literature. She also studied other advanced courses beyond her M.A. She participated as an Iowa football cheerleader when the U of I went to the 1959 Rose Bowl. Her main occupation and career was Associate Professor of Spanish at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, from 1969 until 1987. During that tenure she was an instructor of English as a Second Language at the International Institute in Barcelona, Spain, during the years 1972-1975 and also from 1981-1982. She also taught at Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois, between 1994 and 1997. In later years in Albany, she had various part time jobs as a transcriptionist and as interpreter at court proceedings, doctor’s offices and other government entities. Annabelle was joined in marriage with Roger Stafford in 1959 and were later divorced in 1965. She moved to Madrid, Spain, where she met and married Raul Andrade in 1969. They were the parents of two daughters, Laura and Maria. They were later divorced. She married again in 1997 to Michael Waldbillig of Albany, New York. Annabelle had a wide range of interests and pastimes which included travel, movies, as well as being an avid reader. Throughout her life she always stayed abreast of the political scene. She had a very inquisitive mind and enjoyed learning about other cultures. Although a teacher, she was a life long learner. She embraced the Catholic faith in her early adult years and her faith became an integral part of her life. Perhaps her main enjoyment were get togethers with family. Annabelle is survived by husband, Michael Waldbillig of Albany, New York; daughters, Laura Andrade of Cuayhoga Falls, Ohio; and Maria Andrade of Los Angeles, California. She is also survived by one sister, Andrea Zeck Bailey and husband Bruce of Plano, Texas; two brother, Gene Zeck and wife Jane of Washington, Iowa; and Gary Zeck and wife Jane of Asbury, Iowa; and by sister-in-law, Ruth Norton Zeck of Waterloo, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Alice Zeck; and one brother, Gerry Zeck. Interment will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the Elm Grove Cemetery in Washington, Iowa.

Annabelle Zeck Waldbillig

December 15, 1937 - October 8, 2021