Isabel Lightbourn Avila

Isabel Lightbourn Avila, 93, a lifelong daughter of El Paso, passed away peacefully at home on December 15, 2025. Surrounded by the warmth of her family, she departed on the birthday of her beloved daughter, Annette, joining her in a heavenly celebration.

A Legacy of Resilience and Roots

Born on February 13, 1932, Isabel was the last surviving sibling of seven children. Growing up alongside Teresa, Eddie, Delphina, Tony, Gloria, and David, she learned early the value of kinship. As a young girl, she sold flowers with her sisters to support the family—a humble beginning that blossomed into a lifelong passion. Her garden remained her sanctuary throughout her life, a vibrant testament to her nurturing spirit.

The heart of a family and a Business

Isabel’s professional life began at the "phone company," where she forged friendships that lasted decades. However, her greatest work began when she married the love of her life, Guillermo E. Avila. Together, they raised four children: William (Carol), Andrew, Annette (Roldan), and Amanda (Matt).

As a devoted homemaker, Isabel was the silent engine of the household—sewing her children’s clothes, serving as a dedicated room mother, and anchoring the family with home-cooked meals. Beyond the home, she embodied the American Dream. Alongside Guillermo, she was instrumental in building Avila’s Mexican Food, a cornerstone of the El Paso culinary landscape that served the community long before the Westside even saw its first stoplight.

A Creative and Faithful Spirit

Isabel’s life was defined by two unwavering pillars: her creative soul and her devotion to Christ. An active member of the El Paso Art Association, she possessed a keen eye for color and a gift for capturing beauty on canvas, from watercolors to oils.

More importantly, she was a woman of profound faith. Her relationship with Jesus Christ was the compass for everything she did, and she intentionally instilled that divine hope in everyone she encountered.

Adventure and Joy

In their golden years, Isabel and Guillermo embraced the freedom of the open road, traveling in their motorhome with a close-knit circle of friends. Whether traveling across the country or sitting at a card table, Isabel was a formidable presence. An avid card player, she was known for her competitive wit; those "privileged" enough to play against "Mema" or "Papa" quickly learned that victory was rarely an option.

Reunited in Peace

Isabel was preceded in death by her husband, Guillermo, and her cherished daughter, Annette Avila Chavez. While the loss of Annette two years ago was her greatest earthly sorrow, her family finds comfort knowing they are reunited.

She leaves behind a legacy carried by her six grandchildren—James, Tommy, Kristina, Roldan, Anthony, and Lucas—who were the light of her life, who will all remember gathering for her fidello. Her family will forever cherish the lessons of faith she modeled and the radiant smile that served as a beacon for 93 years.

A public visitation will be held on Monday, December 29th from 5:00 to 9:00 pm at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 1551 Belvidere St., El Paso, TX 79912. with a rosary beginning at 6:30 pm.

A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, December 30th at 10:30 am at Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Followed by a graveside service at Memory Gardens of the Valley, 4900 McNutt Rd., Santa Teresa, NM 88008 at 12:00 pm.