Isabel was born in Rionegro, Santander, Colombia, where she grew up with her parents and three brothers.
At a young age, she became a teacher at a Seventh-day Adventist school in Bucaramanga, Colombia. She quickly moved up the ranks to become principal during a time many women did not even receive an education.
Isabel got married to her late husband, Enrique Afanador, in 1951, and they had three daughters and a son. They moved to Berrien Springs, Mich., in the 70s. There, Isabel ran an elderly home in her house and worked extremely hard for her children to receive a Christian education. In the 80s, the couple and one daughter moved to Maryland and established a loving home there.
Isabel was an energetic person, a wise leader, and a curious learner who had a zest and joy for life.
After 59 years of marriage, her husband passed away in 2010. Isabel—who loved traveling to warmer climates during the winter months—always welcomed a trip.
Isabel was a devoted Christian woman who always yearned to teach others about God. She ate a healthy diet throughout her lifetime and enjoyed counseling others on living healthy, wholesome lives.
Isabel is predeceased by her husband, Enrique, and her grandson, Jake. She is survived by three daughters, Marlene (Gerald), Martha (Rudy), and Elizabeth (Mike); one son, Ruven (Edward); grandchildren, Priscilla (Zach), Ricardo (Jina), Erica, Adriana, Briana (Mark), and Tyler (Bryan); and great-grandchildren, Sammy and Benny.
We are encouraged by the beautiful hope that we will one day see our mom and mama again when Jesus returns, along with our other loves ones who are sleeping.
Isabel leaves a legacy of service, support, and love to everyone whom she encountered.
A visitation for Isabel will be held Thursday, October 19, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home, 11800 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, Maryland 20904. Isabel's funeral service will occur Friday, October 20, 2023 at 12:30 PM at Washington Spanish Bilingual SDA Church, 12604 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, Maryland 20904 followed by burial and committal at 3:00 PM at Columbia Memorial Park, 12005 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville, Maryland 21029.
Memorial contributions may be made in Isabel's name to TEAM (Time for Equality in Adventist Ministry) by going to www.timeforequality.net or following the link below.
You can join the family via livestream by following either of these links: https://www.facebook.com/waspsda?mibextid=LQQJ4d or https://www.youtube.com/@washingtonspanishsdachurch9855
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hinesrinaldifuneralhome.com for the Afanador family.
