Isabel O. (Smith) Denault, a resident of Reading for 63 years, formerly of North Adams, died suddenly on October 20, 2024 shortly after heading out for a walk around the neighborhood. She was 98 years of age. She enjoyed good health and lived independently up until the end.
Isabel was the beloved wife of the late Donald R. Denault and the cherished mother of Robert W. Denault and his wife Patrice of Reading.
Isabel was born in North Adams, Massachusetts on April 2, 1926, the daughter of the late Robert and Robina (Johnston) Smith. She graduated from Drury High School early to start work as a Bookkeeper at a local bank in 1944. Thus, her checkbook was always balanced to the penny. She married her husband Donald in 1950. Don’s job took them to New Jersey, Arizona, and Andover, MA. They eventually settled in Reading, Massachusetts in 1961 when the house in Andover was taken by eminent domain to build Route 495.
As a young woman Isabel enjoyed outdoor sports including skiing and ice skating. She once won a medal for figure skating in a Berkshire County Competition. More recently Isabel was a member of the Reading Garden Club, and she also sang with the Reading Community Singers for many years, which she thoroughly enjoyed. In her later years you could always find her enjoying lunch with her friends at Christopher’s Restaurant in Reading. Isabel always had a positive outlook on life and rarely, if ever, complained.
A visitation will be held for Isabel at the Douglass, Edgerley and Bessom Funeral Home 25 Sanborn St. (corner of Woburn St.) Reading on Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 10am to 12pm followed by a Graveside Service at Forest Glen Cemetery, Forest Glen Rd. in Reading at 12:30pm.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Isabel’s memory to the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society. A check can be sent to Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society, 191 Elm Street, Salisbury, MA 01952, or you can visit MRFRS.org where you will see an option to donate at the top of the web page.
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