Isabelle Skidmore

Long Time Pt. Loma Educator and Public Servant – 50+ Years on the Point

February 28th, 1926 – December 9th, 2015

Isabelle was born shortly after her parents, Justina Lopes da Silva and Antonio Ferreira do Monte, emigrated from Portugal through Ellis Island. She was born in the Portuguese community of Newark, New Jersey only days before taking her first adventure to California. She left two brothers in Portugal, but was joined by a younger brother Rudolf Monte. They both were baptized at the Mission San Jose and reared to embrace the 4F’s – Faith, Family, Food & Focus.

Isabelle became a teacher and public school principal; her brother Rudy a police officer. They both were expected to be proud Americans who accepted the responsibilities of citizenship while enjoying the rights of the same. Her genuine love for this country manifested itself in a lifetime of devotion and service in a variety of areas.

At age seven, the family moved to Stockton, CA. She attended Catholic schools before continuing on at the College of the Pacific where she earned her BA and Secondary Teaching degree. That was followed by a move to San Francisco to complete her Masters and teaching credentials at SF State College.

Izzy was working in her chosen field as a young professional in San Francisco where she met and married Robert McKinley Skidmore on Sept. 1st, 1954. During their first vacation to San Diego in 1957, a decision was made that would change the trajectory of their lives - they relocated to Pt. Loma the following year. They found a thriving Portuguese community, which centered around St. Agnes, her parish. Izzy was teaching Advanced Math at Pt. Loma High School when she became a first time mother with her son Mark in 1961, followed by son Jay a year later. Mark and Jay were baptized, took First Communion and were Confirmed at St. Agnes where they also served as Altar Boys.

Izzy returned to teaching at Dana Jr. High and during her 12 years assumed different responsibilities, leaving Dana as Head Counselor. She returned to Pt. Loma High in 1975 as a Vice Principal, and finally leaving again to take the helm at Ray Kroc Middle School and other schools in the San Diego School System. She retired in 1991, but of course one never really retires when their life’s calling is serving others.

From 1991-2015, Izzy found other avenues to support the nation’s youth and became more involved serving her church. A life-long Catholic, she taught Catechism, served on the Parish Council and was a member of the Mission Circle. Her signature and enviable energy levels earned her the nickname ‘Bizzy Izzy’ and that energy was applied to numerous organizations that benefited from it. She was active in the Cabrillo Club of California, the Freedoms Foundation of Valley Forge, Alpha Delta Kappa, Soroptimists, and numerous others.

Her car’s license plate “BIZIZZY” reflected who she was in life. In death, she wanted to be remembered as someone who made a positive impact to the community and to the next generation. She will be fondly remembered for the legacy she earned and leaves us.

Funeral services will be held at her parish of St. Agnes, 1140 Evergreen St. at 10:00 a.m. on December 19th. Services will be preceded by a time to pay respects with family at Beardsley-Mitchell Funeral Home, 1818 Sunset Cliffs Blvd from 4:00-7:00 p.m., December 18th.

Izzy is survived by her two sons, Mark (Diana) and Jay (Susie) who ask that in lieu of flowers, you donate to the charity of your choice and that you take a moment to appreciate your own gifts at this time of reflection.