Isabell passed away peacefully at home on August 16, 2024, at 99. She was known to her friends and family as Isy, Andrew as Nana, and Diane and Hans as Mom.
She was predeceased by her husband, Joseph, and her parents, Hanlan and Jesse (nee MacKay) Munro. She was also predeceased by her siblings Ruth (Mel) Young, Tina (Arthur) Hickey, Ed (Mary) Munro, Mary (Laird) Hart, Lettie (Stewart) Vair, Gladys (Glen) Bristow, and a brother who passed at birth. Isy is survived by her son Hans, daughter-in-law Diane, grandson Andrew, sister-in-law Elsie Stasiuk, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Isabell was born in Belle Cote, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. After finishing school, she went to Teacher’s College in Truro. Upon graduation, she moved to Halifax, where she taught elementary school and met her future spouse, Joe, while he was studying Dentistry at Dalhousie University. After Joe moved to Manitoba in 1962 to establish a dental practice in Portage la Prairie, Isabell remained in Halifax, and a long-distance romance evolved. After Isabell and Joe were married in the Calvin United Church in 1964 in Margaree Harbour, Cape Breton, they established a new life in the Prairies.
Isabell’s life changed for a second time when she gave birth to her son, Hans, in 1965. She embraced her role as a stay-at-home mom and, years later, was blessed with a grandson. She revelled in her role as Nana to Andrew. She took great pride and joy in witnessing him growing up and sharing his achievements.
Isabell loved cooking and baking for family and friends. She was infamous for her date squares, pies and cookies, which were always abundant. Her kitchen was her domain and hub of activity. Even in the last few weeks of her life, she tried new recipes and looked forward to the peach and apple harvest for her pies and cobblers.
Isabell enjoyed travelling around the Manitoba countryside and extended trips to Minneapolis, Nova Scotia, and Palm Springs. She met new people effortlessly and everywhere, many of them becoming lifelong friendships. Isabell loved her flowerbeds and garden and enjoyed spending summers in the backyard pool, entertaining friends and family. As a gracious and generous hostess, Isabell was also known for her attention to etiquette. Nephews and nieces would refer to visits to their aunt’s home as a course in “Isy’s Charm School.”
Isabell loved engaging with people, and the phone was her lifeline. She was genuinely and keenly interested in the lives of her friends and relatives and was the glue keeping her network apprised of news and current events.
Isabell was the heart and soul of our family. She brought laughter, learning and joy into moments large and small. Her heart was her true wealth. She will be deeply missed…
The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the excellent care Isabell received over the past year from Dr. Finney, the Home Care Aides, the Wound Care Nurses, and the Portage District Hospital staff.
A private graveside service will be held, with a Celebration of Life to follow later in the year.
In lieu of flowers, charitable donations can be made to the Trinity United Church, 15 Tupper St S, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 1W7, the Calvin United Church, Box 79, Margaree Centre, NS, B0E 1Z0, or the Portage Hospital Foundation, 524 5 St SE, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3A8.
A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. http://www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com