Ann Shirley Isenbergh

Ann Shirley Isenbergh, 89, of Tampa, FL, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2025. Born in Elyria, Ohio, on July 24, 1935, Ann dedicated her life to caring for others, spending over 60 years as a registered nurse. She attended Mount Sinai Nursing School and played a role in the first cardiothoracic procedure at the Cleveland Clinic. Even after retiring, her passion for helping others continued through years of volunteer work at St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital.

Ann was a breast cancer survivor and a woman of remarkable strength and warmth. She was well-known for her baking, especially her cherished Christmas cookies, which she lovingly made for family and friends each year. Her Hungarian heritage shined through in her famous cabbage rolls and chicken paprikash, dishes that brought joy to all who shared a meal with her.

Ann was deeply involved in her community, serving as the President of the Resident Council at Sodalis and actively supporting Focus Academy in Tampa, FL. She was a dedicated Ohio State sports fan, always cheering on her beloved Buckeyes.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Ralph Fox; her second husband, Paul N. Isenbergh; her parents, Irma Kokai Szabo and James E. Szabo; her brother, E. James (Jim) Szabo; and her sister, Eleanor Schaefer.

She is survived by her daughter, Becky Fox (Steve Gillhouse); sons, Lenny Szabo (Pat Szabo) and John Fox (Jennifer Fox); stepsons, Paul Isenbergh and Eric Isenbergh (Josephine Isenbergh); and her beloved grandchildren, Nicole and Sydney Fox, and EJ (Mallory) and Elizabeth Isenbergh. She was blessed to have added Rachel Gillhouse, Natalie Gillhouse (Trace) and Taylor Merritt (Spencer) as grandchildren along with 3 great-grandchildren Brooks, Jaxson, and Marlie.

Ann was always at the heart of her surroundings, bringing people together with her kindness, humor, and generosity. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

A Mass will be held on Monday, April 14th at 10:00 AM at St Paul’s Catholic Church in Carrollwood. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow the services at Blount & Curry Funeral Home Carrollwood at 3207 W. Bearss Ave in Tampa.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to:

Project Focus Inc. 304 Druid Hills Rd, Temple Terrace, FL 33617