Isabella Rose McKee Yakashiro

She was born in Trail BC, March 2, 1934 to Susan Delve McKee (nee Hill) and Daniel Carroll McKee. When she was very young her father died in the Tranquille TB center. After this Isabel, her mother, and older brother John, then moved to White Rock BC. Once there, her mother remarried a man named Arthur Biggs and they lived on Stevens St.

Her lifelong heart disease was brought on by rheumatic fever as a child. She vividly remembered the onion poultices. (As a result she had 2 heart valve replacement surgeries at age 39 and 59.)

Anticipating a career in nursing, and being denied due to her health issues, she worked at a medical office until she met her first husband Harry Woodsford. They lived in the lower mainland until they adopted their daughter Della. Moving around BC, and landing on Vancouver Island for 8 years, they ultimately returned to the Fraser Valley and settled in Langley, essentially to be closer to family. Tragically losing her mother and Art in a traffic accident the same year proved very difficult.

Isabel and Harry operated a number of service stations (remember those) over the years until Harry semi-retired. Harry, still working, was suddenly taken November of 1994. Finding little comfort in her daily walks, and grieving with her daughter, they manage to get through that winter.

Searching for freshness and that spark of life that springtime brings, Isabel and Della attended the Bradner flower show. One of Harry’s old friends and co-worker, Tom Yakashiro, a daffodil grower, lived nearby. Tom and Harry had worked many years together at a Simmons mattress factory. Noting the absence of Tom at the show, Isabel and Della decided to stop at the farm and visit Tom. Informing him of Harry’s loss, they found that Tom was also grieving the loss of his wife Aya. On this day, a friendship was built. The mutual loss of a spouse creates a void that family just cannot fill. After many walks, talks, and tea, a love story is born.

Tom, having had a talk with Harry, said he would like to care for and marry Isabel. They were happily married on the farm in Bradner, with her new blended family as witness. Isabel and Tom were blessed with 20 years of marriage. Tom and Isabel built a new home together on the old daffodil farm. They travelled, when they could, seeing much of Canada and parts of the world. This union brought Isabel into a large family, as Tom is one of 9 siblings, and has three adult children, Colin, Karen, and Len. Her new extended family brought many new joys, experiences, grandchildren, and a great grandchild. Not to mention the food variety and homemade sushi. Anyone need a squash? Potatoes?

Tom’s eldest, Colin, and his wife Mandy, built a beautiful home next door on the old farm, so family was always nearby. Her view of the fields and mountains was a favorite thing. From the window, she could oversee family and friends tending the fields and gardens.

The last few years saw a decline in her health, and more of that spark went out last year, when she lost her brother John. She had been so certain he would outlive her. She “was always the sick one”.

We all will miss her, the laughter, and the hugs.

She is survived by her loving family.

Her husband, Tom.

Children, Della (Vince), Colin (Mandy), Karen (Bill) and Len

Grandchildren, Michele (Eddie) & great grandson Jahleel, Sheri (Graham), Nikki, Hana, and Nigel.

Arrangements under the direction of Woodlawn Funeral Home, Abbotsford, BC.