October 2, 1926 – January 13, 2014
Bravely, after a life well lived. Isabelle is survived by her beloved husband Irvine; son Michael and daughters Kathleen, Alison (Greg Fyffe) and Diane (Rob Lee); grandchildren Amy, Becky, Chris, and Duncan; great-grandchildren Jason, Kara-Rose, Dakota, and Caleb. She was the daughter of Walter and Amy (Gardner) Denholm. Predeceased by brother Walter. She will be greatly missed by a large extended family and many friends. Born and raised in Vancouver, Isabelle graduated from UBC with a BA (1948) and a BSW (1949), after which she worked for several years for the Children’s Aid Society. In 1951 she married a handsome young man who had caught her eye and subsequently followed his life as a United Church minister and naval chaplain while raising a family. Post-retirement they settled in Victoria. Isabelle was strong, determined, hardworking and always busy. She lived much of her life with a needle in hand and created many beautiful quilts. A member of the Crystal Silver Streaks, she won more than 125 medals at seniors’ swimming competitions. She was also a world traveller, a genealogist, a gardener, and book club member. In earlier years she taught swimming to handicapped children. In later years she made quilts for babies of teenage mothers. She was active in the United Church throughout her life. Most recently, she was a member of Cadboro Bay United Church, where she sang in the choir. Many thanks to the friends and hospice workers who helped Isabelle through life’s last challenge. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Victoria Hospice and Victoria’s Project Literacy would be appreciated. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 21, at Cadboro Bay United Church, 2625 Arbutus Road. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
23 Responses
Dear Irvine and Family:
We send our sincere condolence .Isabelle will always be with you in spirit. The memories will be a comfort and will keep her spirit with you.
God Bless.
Alison and family,
My prayers go with you as these next days unfold. May God’s mercy welcome your mother into Paradise and may the promise of a life well lived be fulfilled with life everlasting.
Dave
So sorry to hear of your loss! After all the help you have provided others, Irvine,now please accept my condolences. Although, I did not know Isabelle, she appears to have been a wonderful person! So you have been well blessed!
In this time of sorrow, God bless you and all the family!
Dear Irvine:
Please know that my thoughts are with you at this difficult time. It was a privilege to know Isabelle and the inspiration she provided to so many on how to live a wonderful life full of caring for others. I know you will miss her dearly and hope you will be sustained by the many memories you have of your life together.
Kindest regards and good wishes
Tony
My dear old friend Irvine
I am so sorry to read of your dear wife’s departure to the next life
Please accept my heartfelt condolences
I will be with you on the 21st
Warmest best wishes always
Peter
Dear Irvine and family,
Although not knowing Isabelle, I was impressed reading her bio and complete life experiences and talents. It is obvious to any reader that all of you shared a terrific and enriching life together.
May God’s grace and sustaining presence be felt by you in this time of mourning.
Yours most respectfully and sincerely,
Reed
Dear Irvine, We would like to join the numbers of people who will be saddened to have read Isabelle’s obituary this morning. It was an interesting one describing the life of an exceptional person whose interests criss- crossed so many paths during her life.
We were especially grateful to both of you for your kindness to us when we arrived in Victoria and attended Cadboro Bay United Church making many friends there who included you. .
Our hearts go out to you and your family. No matter the circumstances it is never easy to lose someone you love.
Blessings, Adele and Jack McDonald
Alison and family, my most sincere condolences on your loss. We can all only hope to follow Isabelle’s example and merit such a lovely tribute on our own passing. “Bravely, after a life well lived” indeed.
Dear Irvine and family,
I was saddened to learn about Isabelle’s death. She was a strong presence in my life for the 12 years I ministered with both of you at Cadboro Bay United. I could always count on Isabelle being honest and direct, which was refreshing and expected. It was my pleasure to have known her these many years. I intend joining you and others at the Memorial in CBUC next Tuesday. Much love.
Dale
Dear Alison and family
Our deepest sympathies on the loss of your mother. She so impressed us with her energy and accomplishments. I remember the lovely quilt she made for Duncan when he was younger, and the day she dropped off a beautiful big squash from her garden on my doorstep. We were delighted and very impressed with her gardening abilities! She was an impressive person and no doubt the “rock” of the family..
with love Joanne and Roger