Ilsa "Isabel" New

Ilsa “Isabel” New was born in Barcelona, Spain, on the 23rd of November 1931, and passed away peacefully on Friday, the 11th of September 2026, in Houston, Texas. On the 16th of October 1955, she married the love of her life, Henry Gunther New. Together, they built a life that spanned continents and was centered on family, hospitality, and enduring love.

A graduate of Parsons School of Design, Isabel was multilingual and possessed a remarkable sense of style and grace. Although she was traditional—almost Victorian in many ways as her children were growing up—she was also an accomplished and creative woman who pursued a career in fashion. After graduating from Parsons, she worked as a sportswear designer in New York City, putting her considerable talent and artistic vision to work in the world of fashion.

Her journey toward that career began even before Parsons. As a young woman, she sent her fashion drawings to the legendary Hollywood costume designer Edith Head. As her children remember her telling it, Ms. Head encouraged her to attend Parsons and, after she graduated, encouraged her to pursue her dream of working in Hollywood as a costume designer. It was a dream she cherished, although, in her words, women in those days were not always “allowed to choose their destiny.”

Although her upbringing was traditional, it was instrumental in shaping the woman she became and, later in her life, in her support of the choices made by her family members—especially “the Girls,” as she affectionately called her daughters and granddaughters.

Throughout the many places she called home—including her native Barcelona, Madrid, Frankfurt, Brussels, and later Houston, Texas—she was known for her refined elegance, warmth, and graciousness. Yet, for all her sophistication and worldliness, she was happiest in the company of family, where her warmth could truly shine.

Noble and devoted, she never sought the limelight, choosing instead to shine it on others. Her legacy is reflected in her love of Spanish culture, her eye for fashion, and her fondness for chocolate and a little bubbly shared in good company.

Like so many mothers, she gave endlessly of herself, and the love she poured into others’ lives will live on in the hearts and memories she helped shape.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Henry G. New; her daughter, Claudia C. New; her parents, Federico and Erna Hutzler; and her sister, Ruth Williams.

She is survived by her children: Heidi Danielle New Crockford and Bruce E. Crockford; Cristina Noelle Crockford Kabchi, Cameron Henry Crockford; Jacqueline Dominique New Gartland and Alvaro Sanz de Acedo; Daniel Alejandro Gartland and Mireya Michaela Gartland; and Gabrielle New Seekely, Robert A. Seekely II, Christopher Charles Seekely, and Alexandra Anne Seekely Elizondo; and five great-grandchildren, one of whom was named after her.

Her strength, wit, and grace helped guide those she loved through life’s most difficult moments. Her spirit will remain a steady presence for all who knew her.

In keeping with her love of family and intimate gatherings, the family gathered for a private burial at Memorial Oaks in Houston.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude, that contributions in her memory be made to causes close to our mother’s heart, including the Houston Humane Society, Alley Cat Allies, the American Heart Association, The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), or The Alzheimer’s Association by visiting the links below under "Donations".

She is forever etched into our hearts.

Godspeed, Mom. May you sail gently into the waiting arms of God and Dad.

We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence by selecting the “Add a Memory” icon.