Isabel Rizo De Martin

1924-2012

De Martin, Isabel Rizo, born January 16, 1924 in Acatic, Jalisco, Mexico, to Guadalupe Perez and Eleno Rizo, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 10 at age 88. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Antonio Martin, whom she married in 1942. Isabel was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She will be greatly missed by many in the community of St. Helena, CA and Acatic, Mexico who affectionately called her “Chabela.” No one will miss her more than her surviving eight adoring children, daughter and son in-laws, her 21 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren: sons and daughters w/spouses, David(Elvira), Rogelia(Aurelio Hurtado), Alfredo(Lupe), Ruben(Graciela), Oscar(Cuca), Daniel(Patricia), Ermila(Miguel Angel Arroyo), and Ismael(Martha).

Isabel grew up in a ranch outside of Acatic, Mexico and at an early age she learned how to work hard on her father’s ranch and to have a big heart to those that needed a hand. She was always the responsible one, being the oldest daughter, and growing up around her five sisters and three brothers. After 24 years of marriage she and Antonio moved and settled in St. Helena in 1966. When she first moved to the valley she put her sewing talents to work as a seamstress for the Rough Rider Clothing Company. After twenty years of working as a seamstress she decided to change occupations and began working in the vineyards for the Napa Valley Vineyards. She became a skilled vineyard prunner and in her free time from cooking and cleaning for her large family she loved to attend to her colorful rose garden of over 60 plants. After she retired her love for children continued and she started a child care in her home; helping young families care for their children.

Her long life was filled with great conversations and story telling about people and the two places she loved the most, her home towns of Acatic and St. Helena. She shared her wisdom and her opinion, even when not asked for, with many family members and friends. She was remarkably openly frank, wise, and convivial, supporting not only her family, but also neighbors and friends when they needed support the most.

• A Rosary will be held Friday, April 13 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Helena Catholic Church 1340 Tainter Street

• Funeral Services will be Saturday, April 14 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Helena Catholic Church 1340 Tainter Street