Isabelle L. Montgomery

Isabelle Luella Montgomery (née Belisle), age 105, died on March 10, 2025, marking the end of a remarkable life filled with resilience, love, and an unwavering devotion to family. Born on January 15, 1920, in Somerset, Wisconsin, Isabelle was the daughter of Alfred and Agnes (Harrington) Belisle. She grew up on the family farm along the Apple River with her seven siblings. She helped care for her younger sisters in the earlier days, and in addition to helping out on the farm, she was also involved in school activities and 4H.
After graduating from Somerset High School in 1938, she moved to St. Paul, where she worked in a sewing factory before meeting Dale Ross Montgomery. They married on July 18, 1941. During Dale's military service, she worked for room and board near his base and saved up to buy him a clarinet, allowing him to serve in the Army Band. They traveled with the 362nd Army Band during World War II before settling in St. Paul.
By 1958, needing more space for their growing family, they moved to White Bear Beach, where they would raise eight children. Isabelle was endlessly resourceful-mending and ironing clothes for extra income, volunteering at St. Mary's Church, cooking, baking and making sure her home was always a warm and welcoming place. She was known not only as a mother to her own children, but as a second mother to many in the neighborhood. When kids came to sled down the hill outside her kitchen door, she made sure they stayed warm by handing out used mittens and caps from a bin she kept stocked for that purpose. She had a sharp mind and a competitive streak that she carried into her love of cards, which she played multiple times a week up until weeks before she died.
She was also an avid Vikings fan, never missing a game and cheering them on with passion. Her dedication to the team earned her recognition as a top 60 fan when she was 101 years old. Then, in the past few years, she had the opportunity to meet legendary coach Bud Grant and former Vikings quarterbacks Fran Tarkenton and Tommy Kramer. Here is a link to one a few of the television broadcasts for which she was featured:
103-year-old superfan meets former Vikings head coach Bud Grant
https://www.google.com/url?q=https://youtu.be/Q8LoTSanT-4?si%3DM741ltpLCq-39S2T&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1741882233837114&usg=AOvVaw3fmRh_mZPQ_cquuvhavubG
Isabelle's Home Interview
She also had a knack for game shows, appearing on The Price Is Right and never missing the show on television. Isabelle always brought her humor and energy to every experience. Here is another link of Isabelle on television at her 105th birthday party:
She is survived by her children Randall (Joan), Juanita, Cherye, Scott (Jan), Terrence, Donna (Kirk), Susan, and Dale (Angelica); numerous grandchildren, step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dale, in 2006; her parents, Alfred and Agnes; and her siblings Harold, Harvey, Earl, Ervin, Elfrieda, Marjorie, Darlene; and many brothers/sisters in-law.
Isabelle's life was a testament to resilience, deep love for family, and an unshakeable spirit! She will be dearly missed but never forgotten.
Isabelle Remembered
There will be a Visitation from 3:00-7:00 PM, on Sunday evening, March 16, 2025, at Oakwood Funeral Home, 2585 Stillwater Rd. Maplewood, MN 55119. https://www.oakwoodfuneral.com/
There will also be a Visitation at 10 AM prior to the Catholic Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM, on Monday, March 17, 2025, at St. Mary of the Lake Church, 4741 Bald Eagle Ave. White Bear Lake, MN 55110. Following the Rite of Committal, there will be a luncheon.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St. Mary's Church, https://stmarys-wbl.org/, or one of the Maryknoll Organizations https://www.maryknoll.org/