Isabel Tubell Yanni

1915 - 2008

Isabel Tubell Yanni passed away peacefully at her home in St Augustine early in the evening of Jan. 3, 2008, surrounded by her children.

She was 93 years old. Isabel was born to Isbir and Saryana Tubell Nov. 17, 1914, in Jacksonville. After graduating from Robert E. Lee High School in 1932, she began a career as a secretary. Her career was interrupted when she moved to Daytona Beach to help her sister and brother-in-law in their restaurant. Following her father's death in 1941, she returned to Jacksonville, and along with her brother Tom, took over the operation of her parents' restaurant and grocery store in downtown Jacksonville.

She met her husband, George Yanni, in 1938. They were separated during World War II, and afterwards were reunited and married in Beirut, Lebanon, in October 1946. They returned to Jacksonville, where they began a family and business. Isabel was an astute business woman and worked alongside her husband George to build the business. It included the development of Five Points Medical Center in Jacksonville, Floridian Motor Lodge, Madeira Heights subdivision and the Avenida Inn (formerly Days Inn Historic) in St Augustine, as well as other motels in St Augustine and Daytona Beach. They lived in St Augustine in the 1960s and then settled in Daytona Beach. After her husband's death, she eventually moved back to St Augustine to be close to her children and grandchildren.

While devoting her life to family, Isabel used her talents and enthusiasm to become accomplished in many areas. She created needlework pieces, and the sweaters she knitted were works of art. She loved to dance. She had a flair for drama and was a marvelous storyteller. She enjoyed and excelled at games and was very competitive at cards, backgammon and Scrabble. She was a gracious hostess and loved to cook, especially Lebanese delicacies. She will be remembered for her warm hospitality and beautiful parties and family gatherings.

When she was in her 70s, her deep faith led her to want to reconnect with her religious heritage, and so she worked with a handful of friends to help found the Holy Cross Orthodox Church in Daytona Beach, where she is still a member.

Survivors include daughters Marilyn Nofal (Jim Fritts) and Lorri Lassiter (Charles); son John Yanni (Becky); grandchildren Bryan Nofal, Andrew Lassiter (Sam Sanabria), Kimberly Cornelison (Ryan), Joseph Yanni and David Yanni; one great-grandson, Brooks Cornelison; and numerous nieces and nephews that were dear to her heart.

Services will be in St Augustine. A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 7, with prayers at 6:30. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8. Both services will be held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 2940 County Road 214, St. Augustine.

Flowers are gratefully accepted, or you may make donations to Holy Cross Orthodox Church, 375 Fleming Avenue, Ormond Beach, Fla., or Community Hospice of Northeast Florida.

Craig Funeral Home, Crematory and Memorial Park is in charge of the arrangements.