AUG. 20, 1911 – JAN. 5, 2009
A long time resident of Salt Spring Island, Isabella passed away on January 5, 2009 at Lady Minto Hospital. Isabella was predeceased by her loving husband, Laurie in 1979 and more recently by her son-in-law, Dave Winter. She leaves behind her daughters Yvonne (Andy) Bryant and Donna Winter; grandchildren Chris (Laura) Bryant, Morley Bryant (Todd Abercrombie), Kim (Nicholas) Walker, Keith (Lauren) Winter and Laura (Eric) Rowlett; and seven great-grandchildren whom she adored.
Isabella was born on August 20, 1911 in Newcastle, England. After the untimely death of her father, Colin Sinclair Carswell in 1919, she and her mother, Ellen Carswell moved to Victoria. She attended Quadra Elementary and Victoria High Schools, and later worked in the offices of the Hudson’s Bay Company. She was also a member of the Christ Church Cathedral Choir. Isabella felt very fortunate for the opportunities she was given during this time in her life, and this forged a spirit of generosity that would form a deep part of her personality.
In 1932 Isabella and Laurie were married and she became immersed in island activities on Salt Spring. She pursued her love of music and participated in many musical productions. Isabella’s motto was ‘do all the good you can for as many people you can’, and thus was active in community work through the Sunshine Guild, ACWA, and the PTA. Later, she worked with Laurie at the family store, Mouat Brothers, until their retirement in 1969. She was an avid gardener and Isabella’s flowers brought joy to many people.
Isabella lived independently until she was 94, and the family would like to thank Dr. Robert Crichton and the staff at the Lady Minto Extended Care for the care and kindness our mother received over the last few years. In lieu of flowers, if you so wish, donations may be made to the Extended Care Unit of the Lady Minto Hospital, 135 Crofton Rd., Salt Spring Island, BC, V8K 1T1.
A service will be held at the All Saints Anglican Church, Ganges, on Sunday, January 11, 2:00 p.m.