Obituary of Isabelle Riddell

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. Service Information Service Location Private family services to be held at a later date Requested Charity Canadian Cancer Society, World Vision Canada or Hospice Wellington