Isabel Noreen Schmall

            Isabel’s family sadly announce her passing on September 19, 2020 at Neepawa Hospital, after bravely coping with worsening health over several years. 

            Isabel was predeceased by her parents Fred and Janet (Paynter) Schmall; sister Helen Jeanette; sister and brother-in-law Edith and Steve Dobchuk; and niece Sharon Denise Dobchuk.

            She is survived by her dear brother and sister-in-law Jim and Donna Schmall, as well as nine nieces and nephews and their families whom she loved – Don (Susan) Schmall, Val (Greg) Hutsal, Jan (Bob) Yerex, Coreen Lee, Reg Dobchuk, Karen  (Grant)  Wood, Susan (Aaron Klein) Dobchuk, Kim Dobchuk and Fred (Chris) Dobchuk. 

            Isabel was born in Gladstone November 2, 1932. The family followed Fred’s work with the railways, living in Ogilvie, Birdtail and Hummerston before settling in Plumas.  She worked as a nanny and telephone operator until the Plumas telephone office closed with the introduction of dial telephones.  She and her sister Jeanette bought a house in Winnipeg. Isabel had many friends in the neighborhood. She always looked forward to cooking meals for visiting family and babysitting her grandnieces. Isabel worked at Rayovac, Perth’s and briefly at Salisbury House.   In retirement, she was actively involved with the Brooklands Seniors Centre. 

            Isabel moved to Gladstone in 2008 after Jeanette died.  She frequented the Gladstone Drop In Centre, where she spent many hours playing cards and making new friends.  Her large circle of cousins provided much enjoyment with their frequent birthday gatherings. Isabel was quiet and friendly.  She accepted her declining health and limitations with dignity.  Despite facing her final months in isolation due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Isabel coped by reaching out to friends and family daily, sharing a friendly hello.  She was especially thankful to Heather Fisher for her help and friendship these last years.