1912 - 2018
On July 26 at 3:00 AM our Mother passed away with Granddaughter Kelli at her bedside. During her brief stay in the hospital, family members were always with her.
Left to mourn her passing are sons Clifford (Rosie) and Douglas (Shelagh), daughters Carol (Russell) and Joan, and her brother Walter (Jean) of Calgary. She was predeceased by husband Walter, son Russell, granddaughter Linda, and daughter-in-law Mary as well as brothers Carl and Ben, and sisters Pauline, Anne, Jean and Marie. She also leaves 14 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great-grandchildren.
Mom's long life began 106.5 years ago on January 2, 1912 in the farming community of Keld, adjacent to Dauphin, Manitoba. Her early years were spent on the family farm where she learned all of the required life skills including cooking, gardening, sewing, and the social and spiritual attributes that would set the stage for coping with challenges she would face over her long life.
At the early age of 17, she moved to Winnipeg for work, and it was there that she met the love of her life, Walter. Isabel and Walter were married in 1929, and in 1939 they moved to Kenora, Ontario. Jobs were scarce and they relocated to Hamilton where work was plentiful. Six years later, they returned to Kenora where Dad found employment with 'Mando', a pulp and paper company.
They were deployed to the newly established Camp Robinson where they operated the laundry, servicing six logging camps in the area. Mom met many new friends and after 15 years 'in the bush' they decided on a change of lifestyle and purchased Andy lake Camp. After several years, they returned to Kenora where Mom worked for 15 years as a cook at Pinecrest Home for the aged.
After Dad passed away in 1974, Mom moved into the newly constructed Gardiner House where she resided until her final days. Mom was considered the 'Matriarch' of the family and imparted her life's learning to those in the extended family. She had a strong work ethic, a love of humanity, a sense of humility, and a strong spiritual awareness. Mom was loved by all she came in contact with. Having experienced life's many challenges, including the early 1930's, she even picked blueberries to supplement family income. Mother always dealt with adversity with a positive outlook and a persistent work ethic. Mom loved big family gatherings, traditional meals, and sing-a-longs. She had a powerful voice, belting out, "Why Me Lord." During her leisure times, she spent countless hours knitting and crocheting clothing and decorative items for family members and new arrivals. She enjoyed a good game of bingo, especially with her friends at Gardiner House, and with grandson Randy and partner Cindy.
The family extends a heartfelt thanks to the doctors and nurses at the Kenora Hospital for their care and compassion extended toward Mom during her final days. A special thanks is also extended to Mom's grandson, Randy, and his daughter, Brandi, for their care and help over the past several years.
At her wishes, Mother has been cremated and a memorial service will be held August 11, at 11 AM at Notre Dame Catholic Church in Kenora. Interment of ashes will follow at cemetery next to husband Walter and son Russell. Anyone wishing to make a donation in memory of Isabela should do so to their favourite charity.
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