Isabella Dryden

1917 - 2024

Dryden, Isabella

October 14, 1917 - May 17, 2024

With great sadness, the family announces the peaceful passing of our beloved aunt, great-aunt, great-great aunt, friend, and much-respected colleague Isabella Dryden at Poseidon Care Centre in Winnipeg, MB at the age of 106 years, 7 months and 3 days.

Isabella is survived by many nephews and nieces, cousins, and their families. She was predeceased by her parents, James and Mary Dryden, her brother's "Mac" (Gudrun), Allan (Laverne), George (Iris) and sister Louise (Charlie). She was also predeceased by four nephews and a niece.

Isabella was born in Lenore, Manitoba. She attended school in Lenore, Virden and for a short time in Victoria, BC. She began her post-secondary education in 1936 attending Normal School. She was a lifelong learner continuing her education until 1976 earning numerous degrees and diplomas. She attended University of Manitoba, University of Alberta and University of British Columbia. She attended many summer sessions at universities in Illinois, Brandon, MB, University of Alberta, and University of North Dakota. She completed the majority of coursework for her master's degree. Her thesis was partly written but not completed due to professional demands and family responsibilities.

She began her teaching career in 1937 at Errol School near Lenore, MB. She taught at Bordal School, Ross School, Virden Public, Virden Collegiate, Carmen Collegiate, and Dauphin Collegiate. She spent many years as supervisor of business education at the University of Manitoba; she also was a Business Education consultant at the U of M. She had many part-time assignments teaching summer sessions at the U of M and Red River Community College. She also taught at Robertson Community College in Winnipeg, MB.

In 1984 she began teaching at Creative Retirement instruction seniors citizen computer courses. At the age of 99, she taught at the Chinese Cultural Centre instructing classes for Seniors to learn to use laptops.

Throughout her career, she had 43 published articles relating to business education and she attended many speaking activities. She was also a member of many committees and boards.

Isabella was a great believer in volunteering her time. She volunteered at Salisbury and Lavallee Schools where she taught keyboarding to grades 4, 5 and 6 classes.

She was very involved in church activities and her strong faith guided her throughout the years.

Isabella loved music, photography, reading, gardening, writing, genealogy, crosswords, needlework, life-long learning and volunteer activities.

She received numerous awards during her lifetime. In 2000, she received YM YWCA Women of Distinction Award, "Volunteer Extraordinaire" with Creative Retirement; Premiers Volunteer Service Award from the Province of Manitoba. In 2012 she received the Lieutenant Governor's "Make a Difference Award". She also received the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers in 2018.

Isabella loved to spend time and socialize with family and friends. She had a special bond with her siblings and especially with her mother. As her father passed away at a young age, she helped her mother with her younger siblings. Even though she never had children, she had special relationships with her nephews and nieces and their families. She loved to hear all the family news and always showed an interest in their activities, and she especially was interested in hearing about their education; which she encouraged and helped to support many of them. She never left a family visit without a big hug and touching her forehead to ours and thanking us for something.

She was generous and supported many charities and organizations. In Lieu of flowers, donations in Isabella's name can be made at the Canadian Diabetes Association.

At this time, the family would like to send their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the residents of Kirchhoff Gardens and Faith Lutheran Church for their friendship and concern for Isabella. A special Thank you to Lea Mansell.

The family would also like to acknowledge and express their appreciation to the home care workers and staff at the Geriatric Day Hospital, St. Boniface; the staff at Grace Hospital, Victoria Hospital and the Misericordia Hospital; and the city of Winnipeg Paramedics.

Lastly thank you to the staff at Poseidon Care Centre for the excellent care they provided for the past few weeks.

As per Isabella's wishes and instructions, cremation has taken place and a graveside service will take place on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Breadalbane Cemetery near Lenore MB.

According to Isabella, "You should always keep yourself active physically, intellectually and spirituality".

Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.