Isabelle Schmeling

1933 - 2024

Isabelle Schmeling (née Richardson), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2024, at Sacred Ground Hospice in Knoxville, TN.

She was born on November 4, 1933, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, to the late John Richardson and Sarah Jane Richardson (née Walsh).

Isabelle, a woman of courage and confidence, traveled by ship and immigrated to the United States in 1954. She resided in Colonia and Elizabeth New Jersey until she married in 1957. Isabelle and her husband Dick resided at NATO American Air Force Bases in France and Germany for four years. Upon returning to the US they lived in Rahway, NJ until 1963, and then made Somerset, NJ their home until 2004.

Isabelle became a naturalized citizen in 1966. Isabelle and Dick then settled in Tellico Village, Loudon, TN, where they remained until her passing.

Educated in Belfast, Isabelle graduated from Public School and Secretarial College. She furthered her education by earning her GED in Somerset, NJ, and attended Rutgers University.

Isabelle had a fulfilling career, serving as a secretary for the School System in Belfast, Northern Ireland and then the Board of Education in Somerset, NJ. She later joined AT&T in Basking Ridge, NJ, where she worked for 18 years as an office manager and legal secretary in the Intellectual Property Law, Trademarks and Copyrights group until her retirement in June 1998.

On August 3, 1957, Isabelle married the love of her life, Richard T. (Dick) Schmeling, in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Together they raised four children: Sally (Jay) Minniti, Ruth (Pat) Coletta, Richard J. (Patricia) Schmeling and David (Vickie) Schmeling. Isabelle was also blessed with seven grandchildren: Brian Belli, Jillian Belli, John (Brandi) Radamski, Christopher Schmeling, Aidan Schmeling, Faith Schmeling and Trent Schmeling.

Isabelle was a woman of faith and was actively involved in various religious communities throughout her life. She was a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Belfast, Northern Ireland; Third Presbyterian Church in Elizabeth, NJ; Somerset Presbyterian Church in Somerset, NJ; Middlebush Reformed Church in Middlebush, NJ; and the Community Church at Tellico Village in Loudon, TN.

In her free time, Isabelle enjoyed gardening, reading, traveling and sewing. She was an excellent seamstress - making many beautiful dresses, shirts, pants and even suits for herself and her children. In addition to her numerous accomplishments, Isabelle will be fondly remembered by her family for her tireless work ethic, infectious cheerfulness and her talent for hosting family events that brought loved ones together.

She had a remarkable knack for turning ordinary moments into cherished family memories - filling each gathering with laughter, love and joy.

Isabelle leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.

She is survived by her devoted husband, children, grandchildren, sister Sally Carson and a host of other relatives and friends who will miss her dearly.

A memorial service to celebrate Isabelle's life will be held at the Community Church at Tellico Village in Loudon, TN, on July 13th at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sacred Ground Hospice House, Alzheimer's Association or your charity of choice in Isabelle's memory.

Click Funeral Home & Cremations-Tellico Village Chapel is serving the family of Isabelle Schmeling. www.clickfuneralhomecom.