Isabella ‘Isabel’ McLeod, formerly of Dowagiac

Published 9:44 am Tuesday, January 26, 2016

April 14, 1925 — Jan. 23, 2016

Isabella “Isabel” McLeod, 90, of Holland, formerly of Dowagiac, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016.

Isabella “Isabel” McLeod

Isabella “Isabel” McLeod

A Celebration of Life Service will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28 at Clark Chapel, 405 Center St., Dowagiac with Rev. Stacey Wilder officiating. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the service beginning at 1 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to The Salvation Army. Those wishing to sign Isabel’s Memory Book online may do so at www.clarkch.com.

She was born to Annie and Octave Burrows on April 14, 1925, in South Haven, Michigan and grew up in Rockford. She graduated high school in 1943. Isabel married Kermit McLeod on Feb. 12, 1944. They raised their three children Jim, Sharon and Randy in the Niles area. After raising their family, Isabel and Kermit moved to Dowagiac. Isabel worked at Niles Printing for many years and later for Dowagiac Commercial Press. She also worked with seniors and with the Dowagiac Downtown Development. Isabel was committed to helping people in need and volunteered tirelessly for the Salvation Army for many years.

Isabel is survived by her three children: Jim (Maryanne) of Gladstone, Michigan, Sharon VanSlooten (Gary) of Holland and Randy of Holland. She is further survived by her grandchildren: Leeanne (Brent Addis), Tracy (Rosa W. Goldberg), Evan VanSlooten, Meghan McLeod and Amanda McLeod; great-grandchildren-Isabela and Rylin Addis. Isabel is also survived by her sister Roberta Jean (Dave) Best of Cassopolis.

Isabel was preceded in death by her beloved husband Kermit, her grandson Jarrod McLeod, her brother and sister-in-law William and Enid Burrows, brother Jim Burrows and sister Anne.

Isabel enjoyed life to the fullest. She loved making treats for special occasions, often with her grandchildren. Isabel took classes and loved to learn new ways to decorate her table for family gatherings. Card club was a priority! Traveling with friends and family was another favorite pastime. Water soothed her and she enjoyed spending time at her children’s cottages. For several years, Isabel co-hosted a high tea at her son’s home in Gladstone, Michigan. Isabel took pride in her home and yard. She delighted in watching the birds and animals in her yard. Isabel was extremely proud of her Scottish Heritage.

Isabel was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She is forever in our hearts.