Belle Fabel

Well-loved and infinitely loving, Belle Krasner Fabel, 97, and a 93-year resident of Mt. Vernon, NY, went home to G-d, February 1, 2017. Recently a resident of Ruth's House Assisted Living Facility, in Longmeadow, MA, she was a vibrant member of her new community bringing her own style of life and verve to her new friends. Belle was born on March 3, 1919 and attended Mt. Vernon NY Public Schools. She attended Southern California State Junior College and later earned a secretarial certificate. She owned a hat shop on 4th Avenue in Mt. Vernon, NY and later became bookkeeper to Dorothea Pharmacy on 4th Ave. After passing the secretarial tests for Mt. Vernon Public Schools and New York City Public Schools, she became a school secretary in Mt. Vernon and then completed 25 years as a school secretary for the NYC Public Schools. After retiring, she continued to work for the NYC Public Schools as a highly demanded substitute secretary, especially doing payroll work, until she was well over 85 years old. She and her late husband Philip enjoyed being in amateur plays, which is how they met, and performed in many of Doc Randall's productions at Mt. Vernon High School. They both learned how to play golf to fill the empty nest syndrome and Belle played golf until she was 92. At a recent Nifty Nineties celebration, she was asked to what she attributed her vibrancy and longevity. Without a moment's hesitation, she replied, "Volunteerism." It is for this, that Belle is most well known. She was selected as Volunteer of the Year for the City of Mt. Vernon on June 10, 2001, and was cited by The Jewish Community Council, the Westchester County Board of Legislators and the Mayor. She began her career as a volunteer with the Junior National Council of Jewish Women and served as President of the Westchester Chapter of NCJW. She socialized with veterans at Montrose Hospital. She was an active member of Sinai Free Synagogue of Westchester, helping in any way she could on both a large and small scale. If anyone ever needed a hand, a shoulder or a ride, Belle was right there to assist. Belle was married to the late Philip Fabel of Yonkers, NY, for 50 years. He died in 1991. She leaves her sister Estelle Krasner Rothstein of Long Island, NY. She also leaves her beloved children Arthur Fabel married to Marsha of Rockville, MD, and Laura Fabel Dumouchel married to Bruce of Adams, MA; grandchildren: Jessica Fabel Belongia married to Brett of North Andover, MA; Beth Fabel Tierney married to Jamie of Las Cruces NM; Alexandra Dumouchel Duchesne married to JF of West Hartford, CT; Rene Dumouchel and her fianc Chris Haines of Wethersfield, CT; Evan Dumouchel married to Laura Johnson of Los Angeles, CA; and, the joy of her life, her great-grandchildren: Shawn and Ethan Belongia; Lindsay and Morgan Tierney; and Zo, Zachary and Vivianne Duchesne. She was a wonderful and loving grandmother and great-grandmother, and a role model for generosity and youthful living.