Isabelle Trabbic Stelzer

Isabelle Trabbic Stelzer passed away peacefully at her daughter's home on Wednesday, December 16, 2009. She lived each day with grace and humor, bringing so much love and joy to all who knew her. Isabelle was born on June 13, 1920 in the family farmhouse on Dean Rd. in Temperance MI. to Guy and Ida (Poupard) Trabbic. Her siblings were Stanley, Hilary (who died at age 2), Irene, Hilda, Gloria, Rita and Miranda (who died at age 16). Isabelle always shared colorful stories of growing up on the farm and though it was short on luxuries, her life was rich in the warm relationships she shared with family and friends. Isabelle married Victor Stelzer on September 28, 1940. Her beloved husband was her dear friend and companion. Victor took the greatest care of Isabelle and always remained cheerful and optimistic, even during the last six months when it was "one thing after another". Isabelle and Victor adopted their daughter Victoria Lynn in 1953. Isabelle delighted in using her sewing skills to keep her daughter the best dressed girl in Toledo. Following her father in laws death, Isabelle cared for mother Stelzer for almost twenty years. She enjoyed her hobby as a dressmaker and seamstress and was able to turn that into a thriving home business. She started a sewing club over 50 years ago, only slowing down the past six months as old age and illness intruded. Her creativity was evident everywhere from fashion design and home d?cor to gardening, cooking and baking. Her potluck group met regularly for over 40 years. She had a close circle of friends who were drawn to her kind spirit and generous nature. She and her husband initiated the Goddard Rd. block party, an annual event with their close knit neighbors in the 3100 block of Goddard Rd. They were also founding members of St. Clements' Church and active parishioners at St. Pius X since 1958. She was president of the Sultanas, Ladies Club of the Alhambra, and active in the mothers club at St. Pius X and St. Ursula Academy. Leaving behind to cherish her memory are her loving husband Victor; daughter Victoria (Ibrahim) Ismail; grandchildren, Hyder (Zeina), Sadig, Sabrina (Mohamad) Moussa, Mehdi and Ali. Isabelle was the number one Sitto! She loved her grandchildren more than anything and they too love her dearly. She delighted in her sweet great-granddaughters Jana and Yara Ismail and looked foreword to the birth of Sabrina's son this January. Also surviving is her sister, Rita and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Stanley and Hilary; sisters Irene, Hilda, Gloria, and Miranda. Isabelle was a wonderful daughter, wife, mothers, sitto, sister friend and neighbor and her memory will be cherished forever. Friends are invited to visit on Sunday, December 20, 2009 from 2:00-8:00PM in the Ansberg-West Funeral Home, 3000 Sylvania Ave. The Mass of the Resurrection will begin at 10:00AM on Monday at St. Pius X church. Rev. Richard Morse Officiant. Interment will be in Ottawa Hills Memorial Park. Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the American Heart Association.

Isabelle Trabbic Stelzer

June 13, 1920 - December 16, 2009