Isabelle McGivern GRAHAM

GRAHAM, Isabelle McGivern Our proud and feisty Mother, Mother-in-Law, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Aunt and friend to all, died peacefully early in the morning of Monday, September 12th, 2016. She was born on December 17, 1925 in New Westminster and lived there all her life, almost 91 years. She is predeceased by her parents, Mary Ann and Hugh John McGivern, both born in Ireland; her husband Ray, and her siblings, Esther, Hugh and Jim. While raising her sons and working full time at the New Westminster City Hall, she was always busy and had a talent for cooking, baking, gardening and sewing. She enjoyed many global trips with her husband, Ray, and later, to California to see her grandchildren. She hosted many New Year's Day parties, Easters at their cottage and much later, she joined her family for every important celebration while insisting that she provide the ham and turkey! Despite her busy schedule, she made it a point to always look her very best and have the shiniest shoes in town! She was determined, positive and never gave in to self pity or complaints. She taught us all that perseverance and a wicked sense of humour could get a person through anything and she was the first one to help anyone who needed a hand. She spoke often about one of the greatest things that she ever did was to move into Thornebridge Gardens in New Westminster, long before she really required any assistance. She loved the friends that she made there and would always fill a little bowl of candy outside her door every Saturday morning for all to enjoy. Her greatest pride in life however, was her family and all their pets; her sons, Jim (Barbi), Howard and John, and precious grandchildren Jane, (Dave), Kris, (Ashit) Maria (Tennille), Angelica (Scott), Daniel (Denise) and Jolene (Krista). Her eyes always danced when she spoke of her great-grandchildren Robert, Lauren, Samir, Maya, Kaein, Grayson, Irelyn, Peyton and Skylar and her love was clearly shown with chocolate bars given whenever anyone was leaving! Our dear and precious lady will be forever missed. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local SPCA. A celebration of her life will be held in the near future. Godspeed Mom, Gran, Great-Granny and friend. You will be in our hearts forever.