ISABEL GRAYDON (MCASKILL)

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ISABEL GRAYDON (nee MCASKILL) October 27, 1926 October 7, 2013 Isabel Graydon passed away at University Hospital in London, ON in her 87th year, on Monday, October 7, after a brief struggle with cancer which she stoically endured. Isabel is predeceased by her husband Ed, parents Marion and John, and brothers John and Mac. She is survived and greatly missed by Ed's sister Maureen Crowley of Oakville and her children Christine, Kathleen, Maureen and Paul and families. She is also mourned and greatly missed by Wendy Crowley and Judy Clark, who were part of Isabel's circle of caring, and by friends and the extended Clark family in Cape Cod, Washington DC and points beyond Isabel and Ed's American family. Isabel was an artist. Her legacy is a body of work spanning 50 years oils, watercolours and acrylics in beautiful, bold colours and forms, her prairie roots reflected in the big scape' acrylics. (Judy has photographed her paintings and created a book.) Born in Gladstone, in rural Manitoba, Isabel studied interior design at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg and graduated with her degree in 1949. That same year she married Ed; together they shared 61 interesting and richly satisfying years, travelling the world, collecting friends and creating beautiful spaces and works of art. Ed's career took them to Springfield College in Massachusetts and then to Washington with the Peace Corps and latterly Boston and Cape Cod. They were truly at home on the Cape. Isabel produced some of her best work there. They returned to Canada and London to retire in 1986, but continued to spend time on the Cape and in Florida. Isabel also travelled to Greece. She loved to be by the sea. In addition to painting, Isabel was a voracious reader good literature, biographies and three papers a day. She had a sharp mind and mastered the New York Times Sunday crossword until her last months. Isabel had a quick wit and wicked sense of humour, and enjoyed stimulating conversation. She also loved to travel and thoroughly enjoyed stories of others' travels most recently following Shoshana in Afghanistan, Alex in Spain and Susie in Australia. Her pets were very special friends to Isabel: Springer spaniels McDuff, Maggie and Mollie and calico cat Annie. Most recently a three-legged chocolate lab named Gus stole her heart. A true Scot, Isabel's ancestry traces back to the Scottish Hebrides. Her father was born at Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, his father a tailor there. So sea and artistry were in Isabel's blood. And no coincidence that her homes were havens. Family and friends would like to thank the amazing, 4th Floor, Team 2 medical team at University Hospital for the outstanding care and compassion they gave Isabel particularly Dr. Donald Farquhar who serendipitously shared a connection to Springfield College which made the world seem more connected; and who validated Isabel as a real person and lifted her spirits with his continuing visits. Much thanks also goes to team lead, Nurse Sandy Choma who did all she could to make Isabel's last days as best they could be. Finally, we would like to thank Janice Kirwin who was Isabel's senior's companion over the past year and became a good friend. According to Isabel's wishes, cremation has taken place. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Those who wish to make a memorial donation in Isabel's name are asked to consider a charity of your choice. Online condolences can be expressed at www.loganfh.ca. LOGAN FUNERAL HOME 371 Dundas Street, (519) 433-6181 entrusted with arrangements A tree will be planted, by the Logan Funeral Home, as a living memorial to Isabel Graydon.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 11, 2013