Isabel May Morrison (nee Dempster), born March 13, 1922 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, died peacefully on December 07, 2020 at The Summit in Victoria, BC. A born athlete, she was the Captain of 
the Volleyball Team at Gordon Bell High School in Winnipeg and an award-winning speedskater. In 1936, Isabel was named the Champion Speedskater of Manitoba and traveled many times to the USA to skate with the Olympic Champions. Unfortunately, due to the war years, she did not have the opportunity to represent Canada at the Olympics. She met her husband, Donald Ross Morrison, during a tennis match in Winnipeg. They were married on March 13, 1943 in New Westminster, BC.
Beginning their life together, Don and Isabel farmed in Cloverdale and Langley, BC. Isabel’s resourcefulness sent her riding her bike into Cloverdale City to work as a bookkeeper in addition to scraping chicken boards for 25 cents an hour! In 1948 they moved to Victoria, BC., and bought their first home. Isabel soon became the number one decorator by sewing curtains on a treadle sewing machine, painting and was a master wallpaper hanger! Isabel worked hard to make the family home welcoming and beautiful. Christmas was a special time. Somehow in the night, the tree lights magically turned on and the family fun times began! Birthdays were also a special time.
In 1956, Isabel began working outside of the home, first in a small local store followed by being hired to work in the personnel department at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Isabel was successful in her work and soon became the department’s Personnel Director. She was part of the movement to bring Philippine nurses to Victoria hospitals in the late 1960s. Her last position, before retirement, was the Director of Volunteer Services at the Gorge Road Hospital. Retirement gave her the freedom to travel the world.
Isabel was social. She made lifelong friends at work and in her neighbourhood. Isabel had a large group of Scottish and English friends that she maintained for many years through the Imperial Dance Club. She hosted a ‘Sewing Bee’ of about six ladies for many years. She was a member of the Eastern Star and Knox Presbyterian Church. Isabel volunteered at the cancer dressing station at the Royal Jubilee Hospital. She also volunteered at the Oak Bay Lodge well into her 90’s. Isabel especially enjoyed the sing-along nights at the Lodge. Isabel was also a loyal and regular visitor to Tim Horton’s on Cedar Hill and Shelbourne. At the age of 97, she regularly walked from her Saanich home to her favourite Timmy’s where she met up with friends, family, and making new friends along the way.
Isabel was the loving, supportive mother of four children: Mary (Barrie), Margaret (Ron), William ‘Bill’ (Lesley), and Robert ‘Bob’ (Sally); ten grandchildren; and fifteen great-grandchildren. Isabel took her grandchildren on holidays that included travel to Bermuda, Hawaii, Disneyland, Australia and across Canada.
Isabel was predeceased by her parents Charles Dempster and Mae Hendry, her two sisters, Margaret and Jean and their spouses, her husband, Donald Ross Morrison, in 1983, two grandchildren, infant Donald Morrison in 1980 and Karin Eastman in 2011, her son Robert in 2019 (Australia) and her special friend Larry Brooks in 2011.
A private graveside service was held on December 11, 2020 at Royal Oak Burial Park. In lieu of flowers please, consider making a donation to the Eldercare Foundation (https://gvef.org) to help seniors needing support during the COVID pandemic or to a charity of your choice.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Dave McCoubrey
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Yoko Zarry My deepest condolences to Isabel’s family. She was my “Canadian” grandma since 1989 when she hosted me while attending Oak Bay High as an international student. We kept in touch after I went back to Japan, and after I moved to Victoria in 1995, I stayed in her house again. She gave me a beautiful speech when I got married, came to watch my kids playing hockey, enjoyed listening to their piano recitals and get together dinners. She was my role model grandma and the closest grandmother I have ever had. She was cheerful, funny, kind, independent, active, and most of all, very social. You will be missed deeply, grandma. Love
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Leslie Glover My condolences to Isabel’s family. She was a strong, capable and thoughtful woman who loved her large family very very much and was so proud to share stories and photos whenever we got together.
I was one of the neighbourhood friends who was lucky to have shared so many hours with Isabel over the years. I first met her through our neighbourhood dog walks and playtimes. We then became theatre mates, attending the Belfry for a decade often engaging in lively discussion on the drives home while reviewing the evenings entertainment. An inspiration always, I was so impressed when Isabel decided to take up bridge at the age of 92! She and I were both beginners but that didn’t stop us, with the guidance and patience of our more experienced friends, we were able to keep the bridge team going for a few years with a lot of laughs and good times had by all.
I am so sorry that I wasn’t able to spend time with this special lady over the past Covid months but will remember her so fondly in my heart. You will be missed dear Isabel. xoxo
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Don Cameron Our condolences to Marg and Bill for the passing of your mom. As a good friend of Bobs’, the Morrison family was always welcoming and fun; Isabel always made me feel at home.
Isabel was always interested in my activities and adventures and offered good “Morrison advice” when the need arose. I appreciated how she welcomed us back from Australia when we returned and wanted to keep the connection going.
Isabel was a caring and welcoming woman who lead a long and remarkable life. She and the Morrison household will be well remembered.
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Dixie Green Sorry to learn of the passing of my last living Aunt. Isabel was very good to me whenever I made contact and could visit Victoria. She was a spunky resilient woman showing alot of strength when she entered the work world and excelled. I do send my love to all the family. We will all miss Isabel! Dixie Morrison Green
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Sharon Gelling lsabel was a true role model for me…..independent, determined and very social. As one of the Gorge Road group,I always enjoyed the birthday lunches and her Christmas parties where she fed us wonderful food. I will miss her and her strong presence but also appreciate the support that she received from her family. My condolences to all the family.
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darlene southwell With many memories of Isabel, working together at St. Joseph’s Hospital &, many years later, at the Gorge. She had energy to burn & treated everyone with respect. She & Don were always welcoming when they lived on Mortimer. Her family was so important to her.
Darlene Southwell
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Lianne Hunter A very dear, lifelong friend. We first met Don and Isabel at the New Imperial Social Club in the “60s. Loved dancing and having fun.
My husband John Hunter, from Glasgow, was a great dancer, we always did the two circles (one lady, one man) of dancers, facing each other while holding hands, and going in the opposite direction. Whoever was in front of you, when the music quit, you got to dance with.
We all thrived on this fun, and Isabel also had some great parties at the houseI’ll sure miss her, and will never forget her.
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Myrna Schwagly Our condolences to all of Isabel’s family. She was an amazing, unforgettable woman and it is a shame that, due to covid, she didn’t get the send-off she deserved. Her life touched so many people in a good way. She will be missed.
Frank and Myrna Schwagly
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Mike Chavez GG Belle is an amazing example to me. She is someone who inspires others to do their best despite of what barriers laying ahead. She was a strong, independent, determined and a motivated person who despite the trials and tribulations she was faced with did her best to show others it could be done, and it was done. She was a pioneer for women’s rights movement. She loved and saw the best in others. She loved and saw the best in me. I am forever grateful for her. She is my angel from heaven. It tears me up just to write this. She will always be in my mind and heart. RIP GG Belle❤️.
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Douglas Brown I have many great memories of Aunt Isabel over the years, she always took the time to stay in touch and she was very caring to everyone. My sincere condolences to all of her family. ~ Douglas & Mary Brown
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Katie Morrison My hero. What an incredible life lead by an incredible lady. I love you Grandma.
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Roy and Carole Nicholson Our condolences to Marg and family at Isabel’s passing. There is solace in knowing Isabel lived a very full and dynamic life. We had no idea she was a star athlete, success driven and compassionate in her volunteering and desire to help others. She was an example we should all recognize and will be missed.
Please accept my sincere condolences to the families of Mary, Margaret, Bill and Bob on the passing of your mother. She was a remarkable lady who accomplished a lot in her years. She was good to me during my university years and I enjoyed her company. I know she will be missed by all of you, as well as her many friends in the Victoria area.