Isabel L. BROWN

Like her mother, Ruth Long, my Aunt Isabel seems to have lived her best life from beginning to end. I remember staying with her for a week one summer, the funeral of Uncle Harry, the elaborate sweaters she knit for me, and her quiet demeanor--an angel who just gave and gave and gave and never asked for anything in return.

My condolences to all the family, but particularly to the siblings. I know what it is like to lose a sibling, someone who has been a part of your life for so long they are like a part of you. I did not realize until now that Isabel was born before my parents were married (1934). She was always special to my dad (Henry Hess) because she was the first person to make him an uncle. I was glad to be in contact with her in recent years and to meet Paul Wells.

My Mother Isabel, was a pillar of strength and fortitude in my life. If I needed her, she was there. As her youngest child I have fond memories of being rocked in a squeaky, black rocking chair. As a teenager I can still hear her loud, exuberant, cheering voice in the crowd as I neared the last lap of a two mile race. As a young adult, she encouraged me in my many adventures. As a mother myself, she was the constant, nurturing support as we raised a large family.
As I've watched Mother grow into her later years, I have been so proud of her determination to always make a difference. Two weeks before her death, she submitted her last 50/50 Bingo raffle donation to a veterans hospital in Tampa, Florida of over $1,000. My dear Mother, whom I will sorely miss, was the epitome of charitable service to all.

Isabel was enough older than I that my only memory of her when I was a kid was a photograph of her, my father, my brother, Virginia, Ray, the family dog,and me when my family visited the Long family in Springertown PA.
When I was an older adult I did have a chance to visit her and her sisters and families in Thonotosassa, FL, what fun that was.