Isabelle C. Travers Eitzel

Isabelle Catherine Travers Eitzel, a third generation Washingtonian and mother of three, died on October 12, 2015 at Ashby Ponds in Ashburn, Virginia at the age of 83. Isabelle and her partner, Ron Barber, shared 18 exciting, adventure-filled years together. Isabelle and Ron traveled the world and spent many hours sharing in the geographical and cultural treasures of the Earth.

Born in Washington, D.C. in 1931, she was the only child and daughter of the late George and Mary Ellen Travers. She attended James Madison University and the University of Maryland where she received her Master’s degree in History. She was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority and Phi Alpha Theta for conspicuous attainments and scholarship in the field of history. She taught seventh grade at Williamsburg Junior High School in Arlington, Virginia for several years.

Isabelle’s 39-year marriage to the late Richard Allen Eitzel was the centerpiece of her life and produced a large and loving extended family. Isabelle and Dick provided a warm, inviting, and supportive home for their three children, one from which they would all grow and thrive. They raised their children in Rockville, Maryland and then in Fairfax Station, Virginia.

Isabelle is survived by her son, Allen Gray Eitzel and his wife, Lisa of Leesburg, Virginia; Richard Gardner Eitzel of Aldie, Virginia; and Mary Anne Eitzel Sokolowski and her husband, Michael of Charlottesville, Virginia, and her most devoted companion, Ron Barber of Fairfax, Virginia. Isabelle leaves behind five wonderful grandchildren whom she loved dearly: Gray and Celia Eitzel, Elise and Stella Sokolowski, and Joseph Eitzel. She was predeceased by her beloved first husband, Richard Allen Eitzel.

The funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 15th at 10:30 AM at Pender United Methodist Church with internment at Fairfax Memorial Park. The viewing/visitation will be held at Demaine Funeral Home-Fairfax from 6 PM to 8 PM. In lieu of flowers, Isabelle and the family asks for gifts to Children’s Hospital at www.childrensnational.org/giving.