ISABEL READ

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ISABEL READ With her loving family at her side, Isabel left us peacefully on Tuesday, March 9, 2004 at Riverview Health Centre, free at last from the relentless mental and physical pain of living with cancer. One of five children born to Grace and David Eggie, Isabel grew up on a farm in Mossbank, SK. From childhood, Isabel showed an adventurous spirit, a curious mind and a caring soul. Her devotion to the well being of others led to a career in nursing. After graduating with a nursing diploma from the University of Saskatchewan, she went on to achieve a Bachelor of Science in nursing at the University of Alberta. She held a wide range of positions within her profession, from head nurse to instructor of nursing. She was beloved by her patients, especially those who came under her care when she was case coordinator for Winnipegs Homecare program, her last job before retiring with distinction in 2001. No matter how fulfilling her career, the abiding focus of Isabels life was her family. She was married to Derek, her soul mate and best friend, for 26 years. Together, they were proud beyond measure of their greatest achievements, their two children, Jody, 23 and Scott, 22. An exceptional wife and mother, Isabels home was the centre of her life. Whether she was helping Derek sort through a problem at work, canoeing or hiking with Scott at their cottage on Red Rock Lake, or cheerily getting up at 5:00 a.m. to go bird watching with Jody, nothing made Isabel happier than the loving companionship of her family. And they loved and adored her in return. Jody and Scott want their mother to know how much they appreciated her and will cherish the precious moments they shared. They could not have had a better mom. From the solid base of her family, Isabel reached out to the world embracing its many wonders. Among her numerous pursuits, she took up violin and painting, and travelled to exotic locations with Derek. A lifelong volunteer, she spent many happy days in her retirement, sharing her passion for the outdoors with young people at the Fort Whyte Centre. Her love of life and curiosity for the world lives on in her family who will deeply miss her laughter, encouragement and warmth. She was the light of their lives. Isabel also leaves her sisters, Mary Nurse (Ken) and Helen Ryane (Jane OHara) and brothers, Jim Eggie and Stewart Eggie (Carol) as well as many nieces and nephews. Special thanks to Rev. Dr. Sharon Wilson and Rev. Dr. Eleanor Epp-Stobbe for their spiritual guidance. To the extraordinary staff at Riverview Health Centre - 3 East Palliative Unit - your care and compassion made Isabels last days peaceful. We will never forget your kindness. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to CancerCare Manitoba, Fort Whyte Centre or Windsor Park United Church. A funeral service celebrating Isabels life will be held on Friday, March 12 at 11:00 a.m. in the Windsor Park United Church, 1062 Autumnwood Dr., with interment to follow in the family plot at St. Vital Cemetery. The Coutu Family in care of arrangements: EDWARD J. COUTU LTD. 680 Archibald Street 253-5086

Make a donation to

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 11, 2004