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ISHBEL ANNA (MACDONALD) ISAACS
Born: Jun 23, 1935
Date of Passing: Dec 21, 2020
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ISHBEL ANNA (MACDONALD) ISAACS
She was predeceased by both her parents, her brother, Colin Roderick MacDonald, and her husband, Leonard Isaacs. Mourning her passing, but celebrating her life, are her daughters, Debbie (Barbara Lemire) and Margaret (Charles MacKinnon), many cousins, nieces and nephews, friends, and former students and colleagues.
Ishbel grew up in Ottawa, playing piano from an early age, and loved skating on the Rideau Canal in the winter, going to football games, and canoeing on the Gatineau in the summers. Mom participated in the Ottawa Music Festival, frequently winning her classes or being among the top pianists, and meeting her future husband, Leonard, there as well.
She graduated high school from Glebe Collegiate Institute in the early 1950s, and after obtaining her ARCT in piano from the Royal Conservatory of Music, she spent a year living in Toronto with her friend, Ann Robertson, before embarking on further piano studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London, England.
Ishbel and Leonard were married in July, 1959, in England, and moved to Winnipeg four years later, one daughter in tow, and the other on the way soon. Ishbel embraced the musical community in Winnipeg, beside - and supporting - her husband in his work, and in her own right as a beloved piano teacher. So many of her students became life-long friends, a testament not only to her teaching skills, but her generous spirit and love for others.
The church community was also important to Ishbel. She was a member of the choir and hand bell ringers at St. Andrews United Church, and was active in many other musical organizations in the City of Winnipeg. She very much enjoyed attending lectures and concerts of all genres of music, which she was able to do until almost the end of her life.
Her presence, her smile, her laugh - even her hiccup - will be missed by so many. We treasure all the memories, Mom.
There will be a memorial celebration service at a later date. As per Ishbel's wishes, cremation has taken place.
Many thanks to all at Concordia Hospital, as well as the caregivers from VIP Homecare: Cori, Arlene, Kim, Noelle, Dawn, Justyne, and Sharon.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, or other charity of your choice.
For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit www.chapellawn.ca
Chapel Lawn Funeral Home
204-885-9715
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 26, 2020
Condolences & Memories (6 entries)
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Margaret and Debbie, I was very sorry to hear Ishbel has passed away. Our families were close in the 70s. I remember the piano lessons on the big grand piano, house recitals and the Festival. Your mom was a wonderful teacher, a lovely, kind and encouraging person whom I appreciated very much. I especially remember a wonderful summer at the cabin at Blue Sea Lake, where I was very interested to see how she made delicious scrambled eggs for us kids. I still make them that way, with lots of butter. I have very fond memories and am very sad to hear she has passed. All my love to you both. Cathy - Posted by: Cathy McDonald (Family friend and former student) on: Feb 14, 2021
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Dear Margaret and Debbie, my sincere sympathy to you and your families. I met your mother while involved with the Junior Musical Club, and she was always so gracious, friendly and encouraging to all the members. She has contributed so much to the music life of Manitoba, and we are truly grateful. May God's blessings of love and peace comfort you now. - Posted by: Helen Whetter (Friend ) on: Jan 06, 2021
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My heartfelt condolences to you Margaret and Debbie on the passing of your dear mother. I began the year 2021 yesterday by re-reading your father's memoirs. By chance I googled your mother's name and was shocked to find it in the obituary column. I have many wonderful memories of your beautiful and gracious mother dating back 50 years to my first years at the School of Music - seeing her at concerts in Eva Clare Hall and meeting her at student gatherings and parties. Later I encountered her and your father many times in the context of planning and performing at the Winnipeg BACH Festival and the Summer Festival of Music on the Red - especially your excellent performance (father and daughter) of the Brahms Clarinet Sonata in f minor and Schubert's "Der Hirt auf dem Felsen." More recently it was a pleasure to see and speak with your mother (and Debbie) frequently at concerts and receptions of the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra. I will continue to remember her beautiful smile and her laugh as I complete the reading of your father's memoirs in the days to come. I wish you God's Blessings and would very much like to attend a memorial celebration service whenever that is possible. - Posted by: Peter Letkemann (Friend and former School of Music Student) on: Jan 02, 2021
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Deb and Barb I was so shocked and sad about your Mom's passing. Her life story is amazing. She was an accomplished, intelligent, personable, vibrant and lovely woman. I know how close you were and how deeply you will miss her. Cherish and continue to share all those memories, as you will keep her spirit alive forever ;) Love you Lyd - Posted by: Lydia Lacasse (Friend ) on: Dec 27, 2020
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So sorry to that your mom passed away. Remembering both of your parents bring back many fond memories. Ishbel was such a beautiful person. Eventhough we were not of the same generation, she shared a great deal with me and as such, our telephone conversations were long and meaningful. My deepest condolences. Erica Schultz - Posted by: Erica Schultz (Friend ) on: Dec 26, 2020
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My deepest condolences to Margaret and Debbie on the loss of your dear Mother, a most gracious lady. As a member of the first B. Mus. graduate class in 1967, I worked closely with your father when he was Dean of the School of Music and remember both you girls wearing sweaters my mother Evelyn had knit for you. On social occasions, both your parents welcomed everyone into their widening circle of musical friends. The influence of both your parents on the classical music scene in Winnipeg was outstanding and will be forever remembered. Yes, your Mom will sing in the choir of angels with your Dad accompanying. May the many cherished memories of so many happy days help sustain you in the future. - Posted by: Morna-June Morrow (Musical friend) on: Dec 26, 2020
