Died peacefully at Cassellholme, North Bay, on Sunday August 31st, 2008. Born to Martha and Alexander MacDonald on May 21, 1909 in Glasgow, Scotland. Isobel spent her childhood years in Gourock, Scotland on the River Clyde. Stories of growing up in a family of eleven were shared with her children and grandchildren and written in her memoir “Five in a Bed“. In 1924 the family immigrated to Hamilton, Ontario where Isobel worked for several years at the T. Eaton Company Limited. She attended Erskine Presbyterian Church where she met and married William Alexander McLeod. At the church Isobel participated in women's groups, sang in the choir, and directed and performed in many musical and minstrel shows. In 1962, she continued her musical journey by auditioning for “The Music Man“ with Hamilton Theatre Incorporated and for many years sang and danced in the chorus of HTI shows. A founding member of the Harlequin Singers directed by Marilyn Alex, Isobel sang with the group from 1967 until she moved to North Bay in 1989. In North Bay she joined the choir at Calvin Presbyterian Church and continued to sing with her choir friends when the choir visited Cassellholme. “What Would I Do Without My Music?“ could be Isobel's theme song. “Grandma Izzy“ was loved and treasured by her grandchildren Scott, Shona and David. She joined them in traveling, storytelling, baking, knitting, going to Blue Jay games, and enjoying creative adventures. Her love of family, her passion for making newcomers feel welcome, and her sense of humour are all part of her legacy. Predeceased by son Bill, husband Bill, and grandson Scott. Isabella will be remembered with love by her immediate family - Martha Kennedy, Shona Kennedy, David Kennedy, and their friends Dawn McLeod, Alex Tinker, and Bob Kennedy. Although Jessie, Joan, Jean, Margaret, Chris, Ina, Alex, Helen, and Kay all predeceased Isobel, her sister Anne resides in Hamilton and a multitude of nephews and nieces remain in Canada, the United States and Scotland. A private cremation was held in North Bay. A celebration of Isobella's life will take place in Hamilton and her ashes will be interred at White Chapel Cemetery. Since Isobel loved her music, donations to the North Bay Symphony, Calvin Presbyterian Church Choir, or the Harlequin Singers (Hamilton) would be sincerely appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to MARTYN FUNERAL HOME (472-8810)
