Isabel Leader

A beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, Isabel lived a long and full life marked by strength, passion, and deep devotion to those she loved. Isabel loved her children and grandchildren most of all. She fought hard for the people and causes she believed in.

She is survived by her two daughters, Carol and Lorraine Leader, her four grandsons, Michael Wineland-Leader, Sean Leader-Wineland, Christopher Ziegler, Patrick Ziegler. Son-in-law, Thomas Ziegler, and many close friends who were like family to her. Isabel is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. Robert Leader, mother Maria Quintero and Father Geronimo Parra.

Isabel was born into poverty. However, Isabel did not let this fact stop her from having an extremely successful career in Microbiology and Epidemiology, while at the same time, raising two children, who grew up to be highly successful doctors. Due to her hard work and expertise, she became director of Microbiology and Epidemiology at numerous hospitals, the most recent at Ingham Regional (McLaren). In addition, Isabel was an adjunct faculty member at MSU and excelled in teaching residents and rotating medical students. One of Isabel's bigger accomplishments was co-authoring a medical dictionary with her husband Bob. As well, she co-authored research publications. In addition to giving back to the community, Isabel was a volunteer teacher at St. Thomas Aquinas School in East Lansing, Michigan where she taught Spanish to elementary students.

When Isabel retired, much of her time was devoted to helping others, especially helping to raise her grandchildren. Even well after Isabel’s grand-children had graduated from college and were making their way in the world, Isabel was always there for them to help them solve their life problems that they would have. Isabel was always there for her grandchildren and her children for that matter until the Lord called her home. She will be forever missed by her family and dear friends.

A Memorial Mass for Isabel will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 11:00 AM at St. Thomas Aquinas, 955 Alton Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823.

Contributions in memory of Isabel's love for horses may be made to Impact Equine, https://impactequine.org/