Isobel "Belle" Malcomson

It is with a deep sense of sadness and love that we announce the passing of Isobel Malcomson, wonderful wife, devoted mother, loving grandmother, caring sister and great listener for nearly 48 years. Isobel was born in Newry, N. Ireland on June 9, 1949 as the youngest of five siblings in the household of Joseph and Annie Donaldson. She grew up on a farm in the rural community of Shinn and developed very strong ties over the next three decades. She attended Shinn Primary followed by Newry High School before leaving for work in the Ulster Trustee Savings Bank. Over fifteen years there she rose to the position of assistant manager. Working with numbers was always one of her fortes when it came to dealing with taxes and paying the bills.

I started courting her in 1976 when I was over on holidays in Ireland, and two years later after a protracted courtship (lots of letter writing) we were married on July 11, 1978 in Newry Baptist Church. Coming to Canada to raise a family with me must have been a daunting task for a young Irish woman who had rarely traveled outside the British Isles. But with true grit, a sense of adventure, and a deep trust in her heavenly Father, she overcame those initial fears. There was getting used to the cold winters in Smithers, BC where I worked as a teacher. Then there was the sense of loneliness that came with being away from her family back in Ireland. Everything was so strange back to her back then. Travelling rough and icy roads for long distances, learning new and different customs, and keeping the home to her high standards became some of those early challenges that befit a young bride. Her successes came early and often. She played a lead role raising our two sons, Peter and Eliot; she became a Canadian citizen; she furthered her skills in Business Education and Computers, leading to full employment at School District 54; if that wasn't enough she found time to do the books at our church over eight years.

Because we were both employed by the local school board, we were able holiday extensively over the years in a number of places across the globe, Ireland, Scotland, Iceland, and Australia being her favorites. The world was definitely Belle's oyster. In 1999 Belle unfortunately contracted Stage IV Cervical cancer and survived it to enjoy another 27 years of continuing to travel, seeing her sons marry, and welcoming into the world two very fine grandchildren ( Quinn and Rory). Never did she waver in her Christian faith as health problems piled up. She was the one in the relationship who saw the decline in health coming and got us to move to Victoria. I will never forget the motivating force for effective change this dear woman brought me to be a better person while readily prepared to change herself. Belle, you have now entered into a heavenly rest. Your earthly work is over. You will always be my love. A big shout-out to all the nurses, both at the Cancer Agency and Victoria Hospices, who tenderly ministered to her every need. A big thank-you to Pastor Michaelis for his many bedside visits during those closing days. And finally, to my very fine sons, Peter and Eliot, for encouraging Mum with kind words a great deeds.

Her family extends an invitation to you to attend a memorial service at Coastline Church Victoria on July 14 at 1 PM to celebrate her life.