Isabella Wilkie Troop

Passed peacefully on November 18th, in her 87th year at Peterborough Regional Health Centre. Beloved wife of Frederick for 58 years, adored Mom of Ian (Nicole), Alex (Michelle) and Christine (Ken Redmond), and doting and proud grandmother to: Spencer, Sofia, Sarah, Bobby, and Thomas Troop; Isabella, Alexandra, Robert, and Kenny Redmond. She was a caring Aunt, well liked Cousin and kind friend. Born August 2,1926 in Hamilton, Ontario,  Isabella was the only child of the late Frederick and Isabella Alexander, natives of Glasgow, Scotland. Raised in the Great Depression, her roots were in Lanark County in eastern Ontario where she attended high school in Perth, Ontario.   More than anything else, Isabella was a teacher. After graduation from Victoria College at the University of Toronto, she taught English and girls’ Physical Education for five enjoyable years at Colborne High School, and a further four years at York Memorial Collegiate in Toronto following her marriage in 1954. She was a popular teacher – firm, fair and related well to teenagers. A highlight of her later years was the recognition she received in 2009 from her former Colborne students as an “inspirational mentor” – a testimony to a proud legacy.  Isabella retired in 1958 to embark on what became her great lifelong passion – her children. She was a loving, supportive and involved Mother. Whether it was the boys’ sports, or Christine’s dancing, her family counted on their number one supporter to be cheering them on. She always had a word of encouragement or a ‘bucking up’ after a setback.  She was a leader in education and teaching throughout her life in Etobicoke. At St Luke’s United Church serving as Chair of the Christian Education Committee and Superintendent of the Sunday School. Later in life she was President and Chair of the Curriculum Committee of Learning Unlimited, an adult education program. She approached these pursuits with her characteristic enthusiasm, intelligence and commitment.  She returned to her country roots with her husband upon his retirement in 1995. Isabella     enjoyed her life in the Hills of Northumberland and the time spent with friends , family and nine grandchildren. In her later years, she wrote a book on her life “Recollections of Days Past”, and took great satisfaction in the progress of her grandchildren – an involved, nurturing and loving teacher to the end,  Isabella touched many lives and will be sadly missed.  Special thanks to the compassionate staff at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.  Friends will be received at the MacCoubrey Funeral Home, 30 King St. E., Cobourg on Saturday, November 24th from 2-5 pm. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 25th at 2:30 pm at the funeral home. Reception to follow. A private family interment service will take place at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation or the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Condolences received at www.MacCoubrey.com.