Isabelle Pullano DeSchaaf, 82, of Phoenix, Ariz., passed away March 19, 2014, surrounded by her devoted family.

Isabelle was born in Niles, Mich. and relocated to Phoenix in 1963 with her loving husband, Sam Pullano, and their six young children.

After 36 wonderful years of marriage, Sam passed away unexpectedly in 1985.  Isabelle believed she would forever remain a grieving widow, missing Las Vegas trips and other activities.  Instead she found love again with longtime family friend, Wilfred (Bill) DeSchaaf and they had 19 fun-filled years before Bill passed away, leaving Isabelle a widow once again.

Isabelle remained a widow until her passing, but she found new life after moving to Thunderbird Retirement Village. She met many amazing friends and enjoyed visiting with them in the café, playing cards, bingo and games.

Isabelle affectionately became known as ‘The Food Lady’ due to her ability to provide pizza upon demand from Pullano’s Pizza.

Throughout her lifetime Isabelle’s greatest talent was being a Mom. Six children were raised with love, affection and caring. Those six children generated 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren for Isabelle. Her marriage to Bill added an additional five step-grandchildren and six step-great-grandchildren.

Isabelle’s life was full of love; she generously gave love and she received love in return.

She is survived by her children, Sam (Sylvia) Pullano, Nancy (Bruce) Greathouse, Debbie Johnson, Mike (Bonnie) Pullano, Kathy (Hank) Herrington, and Sherry (George) Teraji-Navratil; step-children, Kenny (Tina) DeSchaaf of Payson, Ariz. and Janice (Ed) Gruss of Benton Harbor, Mich.  Additional survivors are Isabelle’s sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Rosemary and Donald Ball, of Niles, whom she greatly missed and adored.

Isabelle has numerous nieces and nephews who always remained close in her heart.  She was one of a kind and will forever be dearly missed by her family.

We love you, Mom, Grandma, Grandma Belle.

Services will be Saturday, March 29, 2014, at Heritage Funeral Chapel, 6830 W. Thunderbird Road in Peoria, Ariz.  Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. and a celebration of life will follow at noon.

Donations in Isabelle’s memory may be made to The Ben Hughes Foundation, honoring her beloved grandson, 10417 W. Foothill Drive, Peoria, Ariz., 85383.