Obituary of Isabel Desmarais

ISABEL DESMARAIS (nee KEIL) With members of her beloved family at her side, Isabel Desmarais passed away peacefully after a period of declining health at the Misericordia Health Center on Friday, January 15, 2010. Left to cherish her memory are Isabel's three children Ralph (Sarah), Alan (Gisele), and Susan (Claude Scott); her treasured grandchildren Ellie and Rebecca, Robert (Douglas) and Jackie (Yannick), and Kevin (Reagen), Tyler (Richelle) and Colin (Janique); and her adored great grandchildren Sammy, Olivia and Sabrina, Spencer, Alexandra and Benjamin, and Tehya and Riel. Isabel is survived by her devoted sister Eleanor as well as numerous nieces and nephews, including special nieces Shirley and Vaughan, and her dear friend Helen. Born on a farm near Ridgeville, Manitoba on July 14, 1933, Isabel was the youngest child of George and Sophia Keil; her father sadly passed away when Isabel was only seven years old, and she lost her mother in 1969. Most of her life was spent in Winnipeg, where Isabel raised her children on her own, drawing strength from her many close friends and from her deep religious faith. An active member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Isabel joined the church women in LCW meetings, and regularly participated in bible studies and seniors' groups. Isabel's great pride in her children was recognized by all who knew her. As well, throughout her long years of professional childminding, Isabel shared her love of children with many other families. Isabel treasured family gatherings and time spent with her dear friends Kay and Anne. A defining trait of Isabel was her desire for excellence, a quality expressed in her immaculate home and attire and through her love of sewing and baking. Isabel also loved many styles of music, an appreciation which she passed onto her children. The family would like to extend their very sincere thanks to the wonderful Sixth Floor staff of the Misericordia Health Center for their great care, patience and compassion. In accordance with Isabel's wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 26 at the Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. In lieu of flowers, for those wishing to do so, donations may be made in Isabel's memory to the Parkinson Society (Manitoba), 302- 171 Donald Street, Winnipeg, R3C 1M4, or to a charity of your choice.