It is with profound sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Isabel Hodge (née McIlroy), on Tuesday September 22nd, at The Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre. It is also with a deep sense of relief, knowing that Mum has been released from her pain and can now rest in peace in heaven.
Isabel was predeceased by her parents Elizabeth and Robert McIlroy, husband of 56 years John S. Hodge and brothers Robert and James. She is survived by sons John (Lenore), James (Elsa) and Jeffrey (Julie); grandchildren Brian (Christine) and Kevin (Linnéa); and great-grandchildren Sophie and Chloe.
Isabel was born on January 10th, 1936, in Port Glasgow Scotland. It was in a local dance hall in the neighbouring town of Gourock, where she met the love of her life John. John visited relatives in Winnipeg in 1956 and decided to set up a new life in Canada. A year later, Isabel joined him and they were married at St Mary’s Cathedral in Winnipeg in October of 1957. Upon the birth of oldest son John, Mum decided to leave work and to stay home and raise her three sons. She took this on with a great passion and love for her family.
For enjoyment, Mum loved to play Bingo with her friends, read, garden and watch TV. Coronation Street was a favourite. Mum liked to be around people, but not the centre of attention. She was a great listener and observer, quietly taking everything in with a polite smile. She also had a great inner strength that surfaced as needed, accented by surviving her beloved husband by 12 years.
Family was everything to Mum. Numerous camping trips to Grand Beach, Birds Hill and Detroit Lakes were always fun. A trip to Scotland in 1977 was a family highlight. Visits from her great-grandchildren, Sophie and Chloe, were times of great enjoyment for Mum. She always loved seeing pictures of them and hearing stories of what they were up to.
In retirement, Isabel and John enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas, Florida and Vancouver Island. They also enjoyed many monthly bus trips to the casinos in the states. Each week, they enjoyed playing bingo at the Southdale CC. At Simkin Centre, Mum made many friends through the daily social activities… and, of course, she enjoyed Friday Bingo.
Isabel was a long-time member of Our Lady of Victory Church and, more recently, St. Gianna Beretta Molla Parish. Isabel quietly lived her faith, always trying to do the right thing. Mum was well liked by all those that met her. Her warm smile and gentle Scottish accent will be greatly missed by us all.
A Funeral Mass was held on Tuesday, September 29th at St. Gianna Beretta Molla Roman Catholic Church, 15 Columbia Drive in Winnipeg. Interment took place in Living Waters Columbarium immediately after the liturgy.
With much gratitude, the family thanks the wonderful staff at Simkin Centre for their compassionate and attentive care to Mum. We know she appreciated it.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to the Simkin Centre or towards St. Gianna’s Meditative Gallery: https://www.stgianna.ca/saint-gianna-beretta-molla-church/meditative-gallery-for-st-giannas/