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24
December

Isabel Wilkin

Rhody Family Funeral Home

Isabel was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose love was the greatest gift of all. It was without limits and truly unconditional.

She was a true “matriarch,” the best word to describe a woman who has earned respect and possessed the wisdom to enrich her family.

Isabel was born in Normanby Township on August 29, 1927, to parents Jacob and Mathilde Wiseman. Together with her siblings Anna, Conrad, Edward and Lloyd they learned from a very young age, many life skills and the value of hard work.

Harold and Isabel were married on June 26, 1952. Following their wedding, Isabel joined Harold on the family farm on Concession 9 in Brant Township. Over the next several years, their family grew to seven children. Brenda, Mary Ann, John, Eric, Elaine, Janice and Susan. From this point on her life story became not one of just Isabel, but rather one of being a wife, mom, grandma, and great-grandma.

Isabel was a talented woman. Her energy was amazing in so many ways. Her perseverance was reflected in the fact that she never left a job partly finished, she always found the stamina to see it through to the end. She had a great love for cooking, sewing, gardening, knitting and crocheting.  Each of her family members received dozens of dishcloths and other gifts which she made with love and care. Her home was always meticulously decorated for every season, particularly Christmas. Her kitchen was like a bakery almost every day with fresh bread, buns, pies and desserts. Her impressive cooking skills were enjoyed by everyone, especially at our family gatherings. Her brownies were famous in the Wilkin family. One of her greatest joys was when she recently was able to give each of her loved ones a collection of all her favourite recipes.

Isabel was well known for her humour and always enjoyed having fun with others. She knew laughter was the best medicine. Even during her final days, she still joked with her family and caregivers.

Family was the most important part of her life. She was always prepared to open her doors and made it known that all were welcome. Hosting family gatherings was very important to her. The bigger the crowd, the better. Her home was a gathering place for many.

Becoming a grandmother of fourteen and great-grandmother of twenty-five, was a highlight in her life.  She couldn’t get enough of having the little ones around. Ask any of her grandchildren, they will say she was the #1 babysitter. The visits from the children would always make her day.

The pandemic years were very hard when family could not be by her side, especially at a time when she lost the love of her life, Harold, in September of 2020.  Since then, we have been blessed with a few more years to continue making memories that we will cherish forever.

Mom, you leave behind a legacy of love and great memories. You leave this world as the best mom and friend anyone could ever wish for.  We are not saying goodbye. We don’t know when, but we will meet again.

Isabel Catherine (Wiseman) Wilkin of Hanover, formerly of Brant Township, passed away surrounded by her loving family, at Hanover & District Hospital on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, in her 98th year.

Loving mother of Brenda (Ross) McLean of Chesley, Mary Ann (Steve) Molnar of Hanover, John (Eva) of R.R. #1 Elmwood, Eric (Patricia) of Hanover, Janice (Todd) Sweiger of R.R. #2 Dobbinton and Susan (Paul) VanderVoort of Waterloo. Cherished grandmother of Matthew, Steven (Sara), Stephanie (Trevor), Sara (Justin), Jonathan (Erica), Greg (Tori), Ryan (Andrea), Leann (Steve), Kelly (Kyle), Lindsay (Joel), Scott (Vanessa), Kenzie (Alyssa), Kayla (Nicole), Karlee (Mark) and great-grandmother of Owen, Abby, Theron, Emre, Madelynn, Bauer, Tucker, Olive, Evelyn, Maggie, Jack, Devin, Lana, Landon, Katie, Olivia, Emma, Avery, Isla, Banks, Beatrice, Dawson, Deacon, Thomas, and Hannah. Isabel will be dearly missed by her sisters-in-law, Helen Spitzig of Walkerton and Dale Wiseman of Kitchener.  She was predeceased by her husband Harold (2020), infant daughter Elaine (1959), siblings Anna (Elmer) Lantz, Conrad (Eileen) Wiseman, Edward (Joyce) Wiseman, Lloyd Wiseman, and her parents Jacob and Mathilde (Liesemer) Wiseman.

Visitation will be held at Rhody Family Funeral Home, Chesley on Friday, December 27, 2024, from 6 – 8 p.m. A funeral service honouring Isabel’s life will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Elmwood on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at 11 a.m. Private family interment in Hanover Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to SickKids Foundation or a charity of your choice would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.

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John & Darlene Hunt
January 12, 2025

Very sorry to read about Isabel’s passing. Harold and Isabel were wonderful neighbours of ours for years on 2nd St Crescent. We, too, have a couple of Isabel’s dish cloths, and a grapevine tree Harold made us that we still put on our porch every Christmas season. At Christmas time I always hoped that our family and the Wilkin family didn’t each have our whole clans in for Christmas in the same day. There wasn’t enough parking space for one of our families, let along both on the same day! We got to know many in the family over the years, and wish to express our sincere condolences to all of you. Thankfully , you have a lifetime of great memories to look back on.

Monique Lippert
January 6, 2025

Dear Family,
My sincere condolences to the passing of your mom. Isabel and Harold will always hold a very dear space in the hearts of my family. Your parents were the kindest of folk and so welcoming for us, your new neighbours. Homemade root-beer. ginger cookies and your dads honey are just a few of the memories, and all the outdoor ‘farm life’ fun and silly shenanigan’s you had with us , the city kids🧡 .
Your parents .. always remembered…

Sincerely,
Monique

Brian & Janice Duncan, Fred Bieman
January 5, 2025

Our deepest sympathy to all of the family with the passing of your dear Mom & Grandma. She was a lovely lady and will be missed by all. What a legacy she has left behind with her beautiful family! So many memories to cherish of a life well lived. Thinking of you all at this difficult time.

Sandra Emberson
January 1, 2025

Sandra’s fondest memory of Isabel was many years ago when our family visited their farm. She was delighted and amazed that Isabel made homemade tea balls. They were delicious and Tim Hortons couldn’t ever come close! Elaine has many fond memories of visits with Isabel & Harold.We extend our deepest sympathy to all of you on the loss of such a wonderful member of our family. Love Elaine,Sandra & Rob ,Dennis & Kim

Sherry and Bruce Jacklin
January 1, 2025

So sorry to see that Isabel has passed…she was most definitely a lovely lady! Our deepest sympathy to the entire family.

Wendy Ahrens
December 30, 2024

Thinking of you all at this difficult time, I always remember your mom as a wonderful and kind lady. She will certainly be missed by everyone.

Don and Marilyn Emke
December 30, 2024

Our sincere sympathy to all the Wilken family.Cherish the wonderful memories that you have of Mom and Grandma.

Sherry Lynn Bruder
December 29, 2024

My deepest sympathy to the entire Wilkin family. I had the pleasure of knowing Isabel my entire life. She was a true gem, a wonderful neighbour and friend. Her smile lit up a room. May she Rest in Peace. She will be so happy to be reunited with her dear Harold.
Sherry Lynn Bruder

Elfriede Trumper
December 29, 2024

My deepest condolences to the entire Wilkin Family. Isabel & Harold were long time friends with our family that spanned over 6 decades > Isabel was the most generous , innovative,resiliant and family loving person who had a great sense of humor making every visit to the WILKINS an adventure and fun time. My girls when they were little were always in awe of how Isabel prepared great meals for so many people , when were only a family of four. I will always cherish the wonderful memories from all the years of friendship. My prayers go out to you all>

Anita and Aaron Hurst
December 29, 2024

We send our deepest, heartfelt condolences to the Wilkin family.

Peter and Bev Hopwood
December 28, 2024

We extend our sincere sympathy in the loss of your beloved mother. She was a friendly, out-going woman who welcomed visitors into her kitchen as family. May you cherish the many memories you have of her.

Pearl and Tim Sweiger
December 28, 2024

To the entire Wilkin Family we send our sincere condolences. Isabel was a wonderful Woman and so loved by all of you. She will truly be missed. And now she is with Harold.
Pearl and Tim Sweiger.

Doug and Lynda Legge
December 28, 2024

Sending our sincere sympathy to the Wilken family. May your cherished memories of the love she shared comfort you during this sad time.

Jack and Ellen Cavill
December 28, 2024

We send our sincere condolences to all the Wilkin family for the loss of your mom, grandma and great grandma, she will be greatly missed.

Jim & Judy Sloan
December 27, 2024

Brenda and Ross and all of Isabel’s family: Sincere sympathy on the loss of your dear mother and grandmother Isabel. It is hard to lose your mom. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Rosie Clubine
December 27, 2024

Rest in peace, my sincere condolences to the Wilkin family and all her love ones…

Ang Benninger
December 27, 2024

Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. I will miss that smile.

Bordan & Ann Tchegus
December 27, 2024

Thinking of all of you and sending our deepest condolences. Let those wonderful memories fill your hearts.

Ron and Charlotte Spitzig
December 27, 2024

Our sincere sympathy on the passing of Aunt Isabel. We are unable to be with you but have fun memories of spending afternoons on the farm and the farm style meals. Ron enjoyed hopping in an old truck and helping to harvest the corn. Aunt Isabel had a huge garden and Uncle Harold had many funny stories.Your family has a wonderful sense of humour. This laughter has carried you through tough times and made good times even better. We are keeping you in our prayers.

Brad & Barb Leifso
December 27, 2024

Our deepest condolences go out to the Wilkin family on the loss of your mother. May the many memories of her be cherished and comforting during this time of loss.

Theressa and Duane Stade
December 26, 2024

Sympathy to the families during this difficult time

Lisa and Mark Petrie
December 26, 2024

Brenda, Ross and the entire family, we send our condolences. What a gift to have 98 years, cherish the memories.

Joan Misch
December 26, 2024

My thoughts and prayers are with the family,I have many memories of time spent when they lived on the farm and especially their wedding Day! She will be missed by many,her smile and caring ways.Her and Harold certainly were fruitful and multiplied.May God Bless and keep them in His loving Care.

Dale and Carole Woods
December 26, 2024

What an amazing long life she had. Hold tight to your memories! RIP

Amy & Corey Hoffarth & Family
December 26, 2024

We send our sincere condolences to the Wilkin and extended families. What a blessing she must have been to so many.

Ingrid renaud
December 26, 2024

There are too many memories to list . I was always awe of her baking all those pies at harvest time and the loaves of bread are just some of the few. My sincere condolences to all of you. May she sleep in heavenly peace.

Heather
December 26, 2024

I am so sorry for your loss. She was very close to my heart and will miss her..

Susanne Leifso
December 25, 2024

My sincere condolences to all the family. Cherish the great memories with your mom. She will be missed.

Ron and Marlene Calhoun
December 25, 2024

Our sympathy to the entire Wilkin family. Cherish the memories.

Shirley and Ross Hyatt
December 25, 2024

Our condolences to the family.

Nancy Von Richter
December 25, 2024

My sincere condolences to you and your family

Lorretta Mason and family
December 25, 2024

Our condolences to all the family.

Sylvia Stewart
December 25, 2024

My sympathies to all the Wilkin family! May your memories bring some comfort to you at this time.

Cheryl and Scott Barfoot
December 25, 2024

Our condolences to all the families.

Mark and Michele Smailes
December 25, 2024

Janice, Todd, MaryAnne, Steve, Brenda, Ross and the entire Wilkin Family.
There is nothing like a mothers love and the most beautiful part of it is that even when they are no longer around, you feel their warmth. Hold tight to the memories as they guide you through this incredibly difficult time.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Judy Weller
December 25, 2024

So sorry for your loss

Pam Tompkins
December 25, 2024

I am so very sorry for your loss. She was a true pleasure to have known. She’ll be greatly missed


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