Isabelle Riddell
1933-2019
Isabelle Joyce Riddell
(nee Scragg)
Passed away at Hospice Wellington, Sunday July 28th, 2019,
shy of her 86th birthday, after a brief but intense illness from
cancer.
Isabelle was born at home on the family farm, Aug 13, 1933,
to Jessie and Ralph Scragg.
Her family was large and busy, including siblings; Theresa,
Mae, Margaret, Jackie, Ralph and Dick (all predeceased), as well as
Betty and Eva. Isabelle attended school in Namao, Alberta and then
moved to Edmonton for business college, which lead to work for the
City of Edmonton in the licensing office.
On May 4, 1956, Isabelle « Navet » married her
« Pépé », Joseph (Joe) Alexander Riddell
(predeceased 2005), after he completed his degree. They moved to the
mining community, Keno Hill, Yukon, where they lived for seven years
and welcomed 3 daughters; Joyce, Heather and Carol. They returned to
Edmonton for a short time, during which, their son Daniel (Dan) was
born – to be doted on by his 3 older sisters. The young family of 6
headed to Siuna, Nicaragua for 4 years. In spite of homesickness,
Isabelle made the time away from Canada an adventure for her family;
she developed her famous cinnamon bun recipe and enjoyed sewing many
matching outfits for her four children during these years. A return to
Canada meant a move to Onaping, Ontario, where they happily added
Tamara (Tammy) to the family. Over the years, Isabelle made
friends, developed many skills and volunteered in numerous capacities
in all of the communities where she lived, from Lifetime member of the
Women of the Moose to Community Theatre in Yukon, from golf in
Nicaragua to line-dancing in Onaping.
Isabelle’s life in faith, developed at the United
Church through over 20 years of teaching Sunday
School, participating in Bible study, as a pastoral visitor
and on various committees, was personified in the community through
volunteerism. She volunteered at the Paediatric Unit Treatment Centre
in the Laurentian Hospital, was a Palliative Care volunteer, delivered
Meals on Wheels, volunteered with Joe at Science North and was
Vice-President and President of the Onaping Falls Golden Age Club.
Isabelle was always looking to better herself, taking nutrition and
health courses, computer classes, and art classes. She and Joe shared
an active life participating in the Ona-Lac Canoe Club, travelling
(especially in their beloved RV), metal detecting with N.O.R.T.H.,
dancing with the Snowflake Square Dance Club and they were
long-standing subscribers to Sudbury Theatre Centre. Isabelle worked
hard and took great pride in her garden which paid off in a lovely
floral display every year. She was an avid card player and
reader. Isabelle moved to Guelph to be closer to
family in recent years. She was a regular euchre player at her condo,
where she enjoyed the company of many new friends. She became a member
of the Guelph Wellington Seniors’ Association, where she
participated in cribbage, bid euchre and enjoyed seeing the other
activities there.
As a child and young woman, Isabelle knew only that she
wanted to be a mother; she was that and so much more: she was a strong
woman who, despite a deep shyness, put herself out in the world with
great determination; she didn’t expect any more from others
than she expected from herself; she was a fiercely loving and generous
person, with a delightfully witty and sharp sense of humour; she was
loved.
Isabelle lives on through her children; Joyce (Brad
Griffiths), Heather (Paul Chan), Carol (Mike Millar), Dan (Wendy
Wheeler), Tammy (Bill Santo) and grandchildren; Aaron (Emma), Meagan
(Stephano), Sarah (Dan), Adrian (Aleasha), Mariah (Sawyer), Katya,
Angelique (Marty), Miranda (Joelle), Tasha (Jordan),
Dominique (Spencer), Tristan, Jillian, Kira, Tyler and Zachary. She
was thrilled to learn that a great-grandchild is due this fall. Also
missing her are numerous nieces and nephews and some wonderful friends
she has made over the years.
A private Celebration of Life for immediate family to be held
at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial
contributions to the Canadian Cancer Society, World Vision Canada or
Hospice Wellington would be appreciated.
Arrangements entrusted to GILCHRIST
CHAPEL – McIntyre & Wilkie Funeral Home, One Delhi
Street, Guelph, (519-824-0031). We
invite you to leave your memories and donations online at: www.gilchristchapel.com
and they will be forwarded to the family.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Isabelle Riddell 19332019..
Décès pour la Ville:Guelph, Province: Ontario