Isabella Cecilia Buffett
Born In: New Waterford, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed in: New Waterford, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed on: July 13th, 2009
It is with sadness that the family of Isabella C. Buffett announce her peaceful passing on July 13, 2009, at the New Waterford Consolidated Hospital at the age of 87. She was the daughter of the late John and Eliza (Barbour) Buffett of New Waterford.
Our sister Issy, which she preferred to be called, was a member of All Saints Church of England. She was a woman of strong will and faith whose daily prayer periods were very private. She believed in the power of prayer and watched Mass for Shut-ins on Sunday. In younger years Issy was very active in various church youth groups, especially Girl Guides which she remained active into later years.
Issy was a very kind lady. Although she never had children of her own, she loved children and always found time to watch them at play and listen to their little stories. Issy enjoyed watching her nieces and nephews grow into adult life. Children loved Issy and were drawn to her. Issy loved dogs and had a small dog for many years. She had her dog ‘Tia’ for the past 11 years who was so protective during Issy’s lengthy illness that she never left her side. Tia was Issy’s friend and companion.
Issy was very active in younger years and loved sports. She was an avid bowler and was in several leagues. She loved roller skating, ice skating, playing tennis and was the catcher for the New Waterford Hawks Ladies softball team. She loved nature and loved camping and hiking. She was fascinated by the birds on her feeders.
Issy worked at the New Waterford General Hospital as House Mother for the School of Nursing until the school closed. The student nurses kept in touch with Issy following graduation for many years.
Issy was encouraged by the hospital board to obtain a diploma in hospital laundry management. She attended Technical College of Guelph, Ont. for two summers and obtained a diploma in hospital laundry management; a position she held at the New Waterford Consolidated Hospital for 24 years until her retirement in 1987. Issy was highly respected in her field and did consulting work for the Glace Bay General and St. Joseph’s hospitals, the Sydney City and St. Rita hospitals and the Maple Hill Manor. She continued to do consulting work following retirement.
Issy did volunteer work for various organizations, especially the Heart and Lung Foundations. She was ward captain for the United Way for several years and was recognized for her outstanding leadership.
Issy is survived by a brother, Fred, with whom she resided; sister, Gloria (Michael) Madden; nieces, Lorraine Crawford, Diane Chiasson, Linda Helle, Donna Simpson and ‘Karen Madden’ who spent so much time with Issy during her long illness; and a nephew, John Young.
Issy was predeceased by sisters, Lillian, Minnie, Mary, brothers, Max, William, Earl and Ben, sister, Pearl and brother, Edgar in infancy, a niece, Isabella Cecilia McInnis.
In keeping with the wishes of our sister, there will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith St., New Waterford. A private Christian graveside service will be held Friday, July 17 at 11 a.m. in All Saints Anglican Cemetery with Rev. Valeria Rhymes officiating. Family will receive friends following the service at All Saints Church Hall on the corner of McGibbon Street and Ellsworth Avenue, New Waterford, where lunch will be served.
Donations in her memory may be made to the All Saints Anglican Cemetery Fund, SPCA, or the Children’s Wish Foundation.
Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.
