Zabel Sarian was born in Niagara Falls, New York on August 15, 1930. She was the daughter of the late John and Vartanoush Sarian, who were survivors of the Armenian Genocide of 1915. Zabel was the eldest child of four, with three younger brothers, whom she helped care for. She died in New York City of congestive heart failure on November 20, 2016.

Zabel was educated in the Niagara Falls public school system where her artistic talent was recognized early by winning an award for designing and sewing a dress in junior high school. Following high school (NFHS Class of 1948) she passed a challenging Civil Service examination and was placed as a secretary in the Niagara Falls School System. While working, Zabel learned about the tuition free opportunity to obtain a higher college education within the State University system at the Buffalo State Teachers College in Buffalo, New York. She enrolled in a combined bachelor's degree program with the Albright Art School and Buffalo State Art Education. She was a talented artist in many artistic media. Following graduation, Zabel obtained a teaching position in the Niagara Falls School system where she did demonstration and training of art education student teachers. After a few years, she decided to enroll in a graduate program in Art at Columbia University Teacher's College and obtained her advanced degree in 1962. Afterwards Zabel became a Professor of Art Education and Art History at the State University of New York in Oswego where she taught both Art History and Drawing. As a Professor, she obtained an International Research and Exchange grant to study Historic Architecture in the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic. She was a pioneer in her field becoming one of the early American scholars to study Armenian architecture during the Soviet period. Her research interest was in ancient architecture with particular focus in the early ancient Cathedrals, Monasteries and Churches.

Zabel's life was of learning and creativity; of distinction and achievement; but above all it was a life of compassion and caring for others. This was touchingly shown in the way she cared for her parents, students, and family throughout her life. She was born being a caregiver and served as a caregiver to her last day.

Zabel was predeceased by her three siblings Suren, Leo and Edward; and is survived by several cousins.

Zabel was prayed for at a religious service at St. Vartan's Armenian Apostolic Cathedral in New York City. She will have her final resting place in Oakwood Cemetery in Niagara Falls, New York next to her beloved brother Leo and her Father, Mother, Aunt and Uncle.