Isabella McNeely

May 7, 1935-September 22, 2025

Isabella McNeely (née Taylor) passed peacefully at her home in Oakland Park, Florida, September 22, 2025.

On a business trip with her husband Larry in Moscow (immediately following the breakup of the Soviet Union), she hosted a dinner party that included the former Deputy Chief of KGB, who complemented her by saying; “In all of the history of Russia, there has never been a woman such as you.” This is indeed a fitting description of Isabella the fearless trailblazer, protector, and adventurer.

Isabella and her beloved husband, Larry, were married for 65 years. They were not only spouses, but also best friends, co-parents, partners, and even entrepreneurs. Their devotion and love served as an inspiration to all who knew them. They supported and challenged each to realize their dreams and check off the bucket list. She pretty much managed that list!

Her view of motherhood was; I have been entrusted with these two lives by God. At the christenings, Rev. Lindsey charged that to as living percept and example to the children, which she embraced. This charge went far beyond morals and ethics. It translated into fostering women who could assume active roles in society, business, culture, and community. She and Larry took pains to exposed them to a wide range of people with differing beliefs, culture, and experience, as well as history, art, music, literature, and adventure. Her household was never about what you can’t achieve, but what you can, no matter your gender or others’ prejudice. College was always discussed as when not if but where.

At the age of 39, she began an extremely successful career. Her achievements in this were not only filling the job with aplomb but also always being the first to smash the gender barrier. In a short three years she went from an entry level buyer to a materials manager at a major aerospace contractor. After living in 4 cities in 4 years, Larry said that if he would stop moving her around, she’d end up running the place.

Isabella is predeceased by her beloved husband, Larry L. McNeely, parents Margaret and H. J. Taylor; and brother, James A. Taylor. She is survived by her daughters, Karen McNeely (Matt Sands), and Kathy McNeely-Johnson (Richard Johnson); her granddaughter, Kajsa Johnson; her sister-in-law, Ruth Ann Taylor; her nephews, Jay McNeely, Mattew Taylor (Carla), and Michael Taylor (Jill); and niece, Jennifer Laski (Mark), as well as numerous cherished grand nieces and nephews.

At a later date, Interment, and a private service in her hometown of Lancaster, Ohio at Forest Rose Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that if individuals wish to honor Isabella, donations may be made to The Everglades Foundation (http://www.evergladesfoundation.org/), Planned Parenthood Federation of America (http://www.plannedparenthood.org), or The National Audubon Society (http://www.audubon.org).