Falmouth – Isabelle Josephine McNally, 96, passed away peacefully July 23, 2016 in Falmouth; the wife of the late Buford McNally. She was born February 21, 1920 in Falmouth, Maine. She was the first of five children born to Freeman Jr. and Evelyn Lunt. She is survived by her seven children, Dorothy Yourtz of California, Judy and Dennis Foley of New Hampshire, Norman and Mary McNally of Maine, Carole and Jan Gebo of Massachusetts, Ruth and Bill Sloan of Maine, Jacalyn and Jeff Ball of Maine, and Joann and Terry Schultheiss of Arizona; 17 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; her two brothers, Freeman Cleaves III and Berton Cleaves, and several nieces and nephews.
Up until her death, she held the distinction of oldest living graduate from Falmouth High School. In addition to being a homemaker for the seven children, Isabelle continued to use her secretarial skills working at a law office, Aetna Life and Casualty, and a local animal hospital. She also enjoyed being a Foster Grandparent for many over the years. She was the ‘glue’ that held her family together. She thoroughly enjoyed family get-togethers; whether spontaneous or planned. For many years, Isabelle traveled from Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Arizona, and California living with her children throughout the year ensuring her attendance to birthdays, graduations and weddings. However, no matter where she was living, she filled her days with multiple activities including watching her beloved Red Sox team (winning or losing) as well as playing any card game you could name with family and her new friends at the local senior centers. On a daily basis, she could be found completing crossword puzzles or the current Jumble word scramble and reading the latest novel. Her motto to “keep moving” was evident with daily walks and just participating in the day to day routine with her children’s families. She made sure to be in Maine in September to enter her prized pies, fudge, jams, and whoopie pies in the Cumberland State Fair, winning numerous blue ribbons even at the age of 90+! She loved music, whether playing the piano for the family or singing hymns while attending services in her church. Most of all, Isabelle was known for her generosity of sprit, caring for anyone with a need –a role model for all.
Friends may call Monday, August 1, 2016 from 4-7pm at Jones, Rich and Hutchins Funeral Home 199 Woodford St. Portland, ME. A celebration of Isabelle’s life will take place August 2, 2016 at 10am at Jones, Rich and Hutchins Funeral Home, with a reception to follow. The interment will be private at a later date.
The family would like to thank all of her extended family and friends, the staff at the Portland for Assisted Living facility and the staff at Falmouth by the sea for their care and support during her last illness.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Red Sox Jimmy Fund in her honor would be appreciated. May her memory be a blessing to all.
Arrangements under the direction of Jones-Rich-Hutchins Funeral Home, Portland, ME.
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