Advanced Search:


Regular Search
❮ Go Back to Listings
ISABELLE ELIZABETH LAWSON Obituary pic

ISABELLE ELIZABETH LAWSON

Born: Sep 03, 1924

Date of Passing: Apr 05, 2020

Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ISABELLE ELIZABETH LAWSON

The heart and soul of our family, our most cherished mom and grandma, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2020 at 95 years of age.
In the midst of this pandemic, Isabelle's family was having an online jam session with her children and grandchildren from across North America. Mom was beside Jennifer, listening, singing, filled with joy, and having her tea and cookies. What a wonderful farewell!
Isabelle was born in Esterhazy, Saskatchewan on September 3, 1924. She was the youngest of 16 children born to immigrant parents from Hungary, Martha and Steve Lisik. Isabelle left home at 15, to attend Dominion Business College in Winnipeg, and was then employed with the federal government in Ottawa during The Second World War.
Isabelle met her husband Norm Lawson at a barn dance on McPhillips Street in 1943. Married on August 16, 1945, together they built the family home on Sackville Street in St. James. Their family happily grew with the addition of Jeffrey, Steven, Earl, and Jennifer.
Isabelle and Norm were community role models of social justice, long before the term was ever coined. As dedicated CCF and NDP members, they believed in equality and equity for all people, and worked tirelessly for the rights of ordinary Canadians. In 1989, Isabelle was honoured with the Manitoba NDP Pioneers Award for her service.
Isabelle faced life's greatest challenge when she was widowed at 48, when Norm passed away suddenly. Left with four teenagers to raise, she kept us all close and on track. The fact that we all turned out pretty well is a testament to her love and guidance.
Family was everything to Isabelle, and she was always happiest at home or on travels with Jeff (June Ann), Steven (Andrea), Earl (Michele), and Jennifer (Barry). Her family was complete with her cherished grandchildren, Nathan, Stephanie (Tim), Cameron, Devon, Liam, and Jeremy who all, in turn, absolutely adored their grandma. Isabelle is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends across the country.
We would like to thank her amazing "girls" from homecare, who have cared for mom with compassion and respect, especially Leanne, Rhosel, and Jasmin, her caregivers while Isabelle lived with Jennifer the past few years. Also a special thanks to Nancy, Dr. Alback, and the team at Deer Lodge Centre's Prime program.
Funeral service to be determined when we are all able to be together.
In Isabelle's memory, and in lieu of flowers, donations are gratefully accepted to support an annual award in Isabelle's memory for a graduate of the St. James-Assiniboia School Division Continuing Education Health Care Aide program. (Cheques may be made payable to the "St. James Scholarship Foundation" with a memo re: Isabelle Lawson Award; and mailed to SJASD, 2574 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3J 0H8.
Publish Date: Apr 11, 2020

ISABELLE ELIZABETH LAWSON

The heart and soul of our family, our most cherished mom and grandma, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2020 at 95 years of age.

Longer obituary to follow in Saturday's Free Press.
Publish Date: Apr 7, 2020

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 07, 2020, Apr 11, 2020

Condolences & Memories (11 entries)

  • `Our deepest condolences to the Lawson Family. Isabelle was a beautiful lady inside and out. Maria, Greg, Mario and Angie Fiorentino - Posted by: Maria Fiorentino (Friend) on: Apr 21, 2020

  • What a wonderful mother/grandmother that you were blessed with...so much love in your family that you shared amongst yourselves and others. Your home on Sacville was such a welcome place to be when Earl had his famous Easter Weekend parties. Christmas will be well remembered whenever I hear the song “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas...”. My thoughts are with you all. - Posted by: Ursel Schumann (Friend of the family ) on: Apr 11, 2020

  • My sympathy to all her family , she was such a beautiful lady and will be missed so much. But memories will keep her in our hearts forever. She always went to all our family functions no matter how far she had to travel , we always stayed with her when we traveled thru Winnipeg, her door was always open and welcoming ,and we had 4 rambunctious boys at that time. I loved the times we shared with her and the family. Aunt Isabelle just made you feel like you belonged. That's the way she was . Loving ,joyous Witty with a great sense of humor. I can still feel her wonderful hugs. We will miss you aunt Isabelle , but will never forget you. - Posted by: Wendy Gould & family (Niece by marriage) on: Apr 11, 2020

  • Will never forget Mrs Lawson’s kindness and her cucumber sandwiches on raisin bread!! ❤️❤️❤️ - Posted by: Colleen Mahon (Neighbour from Street over) on: Apr 11, 2020

  • What a beautiful tribute and a wonderful memory to cherish of your last time all together. Our sincere condolences to family and friends. - Posted by: Kim & Scott (Friends of Michele & Earl) on: Apr 11, 2020

  • My sincere condolences to Jeff, Steve, Earl, Jennifer and families. Also, I am happy for you all that Isabelle led a long and rewarding life, passing while listening to her beloved family doing what you all did best, singing and enjoying music. I remember singing “Let it Be” on your front step when your father passed away. I sang it here at home for your beautiful mother too. There are many memories “across the back lane” with your family and with your mother’s quiet and enduring strength in the background. I was grateful for Isabelle’s friendship with my mother after both husbands had passed away. They both made the best of life. I celebrate Isabelle’s life as a gift to all of you, and celebrate your successes, in part, to her indomitable spirit.❤️ - Posted by: Colleen O’Neill (Neighbour) on: Apr 11, 2020

  • From the heart, Dennis and I offer our sincerest condolences as to the passing of your mother and grandmother. I have the warmest memories of our lives together on Sackville Street, as next door neighbours. Your mother exemplified a kind heart and gentle manner. Both of my late parents witnessed her courage following your father’s untimely passing and respected her determination to guide her family. Forever in my memory as one of the fine ladies of Sackville Street. Sincerely, Darlene Oliver - Posted by: Darlene Oliver (Neighbour) on: Apr 11, 2020

  • My condolences to all of the Lawson clan - I remember Mrs. Lawson well and her home was always open to our motley bunch of teenagers! My thoughts are with all of you during this difficult time. - Posted by: Don Cochrane (Friend of Jennifer) on: Apr 11, 2020

  • I remember her and Jen flying out to Vancouver to visit. I would light up when I heard they were coming. AUNTIE Isabelle was always smiling and fun to be around, she brightened every ones day. Auntie we will miss you. - Posted by: Stephen Lisik (Nephew) on: Apr 10, 2020

  • Hero is a term often associated with those who exhibit resiliency, determination, and resolve without loss of compassion in the face of challenging circumstances. For me, growing up, Mrs. Lawson (out of respect I could never bring myself to address her on a first name basis), she was my hero who taught me the true meaning of caring and inclusion. Thank you Mrs. Lawson. And to all the Lawson family, on behalf of my wife Barb and myself I look forward to the day when we can get together with laughter, music, and lift a glass to honor your mom. Just the way she would have liked it. Take care. - Posted by: Bob Patterson (Family friend) on: Apr 08, 2020

  • We shared many events and family gatherings over the years with Grandma Lawson which will be cherish in our hearts and memories forever. She always made us feel like one of the family and welcomed our boys like grandchildren. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. - Posted by: Jamie and Catharine, Luke Dunlop (close family friends) on: Apr 07, 2020

❮ Go Back to Listings