Downie, Isobel Hamilton
Posted Jul 14, 2017 | 5:27 PM
May 14, 1942 – July 7, 2017
Isobel passed away peacefully with family present at the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Memorial Hospice in Kamloops, B.C. on July 7, 2017, at the age of 75. She is lovingly remembered by her husband of 52 years, James, her daughters Lynn (Mark), Janet (Chris), her two precious grandchildren James and Elaine, and nephews Ewan (Sarah) and Stuart Wilson, as well as many relatives and friends.
Isobel was born in Kirkcaldy, Fife, Scotland. She spent her youth in the town of Buckhaven actively involved in her father’s church choir, becoming the lead soprano. At the age of 17, she won first place in a National Arts festival for her rendition of “One Fine Day” from Puccini’s Madame Butterfly.
After completing teacher training at Moray House College Institute of Education in Edinburgh, Scotland, she undertook further study and qualifications in the Froebel and Montessori pedagogies. She then became a lecturer in infant education at Callendar Park College of Education, which was affiliated with The University of Edinburgh.
After the family immigrated to Canada in 1974, and the birth of her second daughter, Isobel became a full-time homemaker and volunteer. She established remedial reading programs in several elementary schools around Kamloops, and she worked tirelessly to aid children with learning needs. As a homemaker, Isobel’s cooking, baking and talents as a seamstress became legendary among friends and family. Her costume designs were seen every year throughout regional and provincial dance festivals. Adding to her list of accomplishments, Isobel was also the business manager for James’s medical practice.
In recent years, Isobel returned to her love of singing. She would often be seen, accompanied by James on guitar, entertaining around local retirement residences. She also spent much of her spare time working and maintaining her beautiful garden.
The family would like to thank Dr. Peter Loland, Dr. Nguyen and the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Memorial Hospice for their care and attention to Isobel.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 29th 2017 at 1 pm in the Schoening Funeral Chapel with Celebrant Glen Peter.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Condolences may be expressed at www.schoeningfuneralservice.com
- Date : 2017-07-07
- Location : Kamloops, B.C.