ISOBEL ALICE GOSSEL, beloved wife of the late Arthur Roy Gossel, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully at the Good Samaritans West Highlands on Wednesday, November 27, 2019 at the age of 89 years.

Isobel is survived and forever loved by her daughters Wendy Weerstra, Donna Weerstra and her son John Weerstra.  She will be lovingly missed by Roy’s children; Karen (Gordie) Mohn, and Joy Gossel, 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Besides her loving husband Roy, she is predeceased by her daughter Barbara Clay and two stepsons Bruce and George Gossel.

Isobel Alice McDougall was born September 17, 1930. She spent her early childhood with her parents Ralph Fraser McDougall and Alice Blair McDougall living west of Granum.  Their Braeside ranch offered the opportunity to ride the fenceless range on her beloved horse. She lived an enriched childhood, enjoying school as well as singing and piano lessons. After high school graduation she attended the University of Alberta where she studied Education specializing in primary school education.

Isobel taught elementary school in Edmonton before she returned to her roots in Granum, where in 1952 she married Andrew Weerstra and raised four children in a farming environment in the Granum community.

Isobel received her permanent teaching certificate as a substitute teacher and then went on to teach grades one and two in Granum for many years. She was a beloved teacher and excelled in teaching children to read and enjoy language arts. She was an innovative, creative and patient teacher. She often spoke of the privilege and honour she was given, teaching children their foundations in reading and writing.

She and Andrew divorced in 1972; they remained friends.

Isobel married Roy Gossel in 1975, embracing Roy’s children into a loving extended family. They traveled throughout Alberta, relocating wherever Roy’s career with the Energy Resources Conservation Board took them. Isobel enthusiastically joined her new communities and left an imprint in each and every one.

Isobel was very active in the Royal Canadian Legion, and could be found white gloved and proper at formal ceremonies or in the kitchens mashing potatoes or serving the catered offerings at numerous functions with a smile and easy word to all the hungry recipients.

Isobel was a talented seamstress, musician, songstress and crafter.

Isobel cleverly sewed matching dresses for her three daughters in their younger years. She created many Halloween costumes, Christmas and Easter outfits and as the years went by, turn of the century gowns for Edmonton’s Klondike Days celebrations.

Isobel shared her beautiful singing voice and musical talents in the University of Alberta Choir, in classrooms, community halls, at social affairs, festivals, weddings and funerals. She played both piano and organ.
In her retirement and as a Canadian Snowbird, she directed and produced many original and entertaining events in Arizona.

Her life was filled with a plethora of arts and crafts. She enjoyed painting, pottery and ceramics, fabric arts, creating jewellery and beading. She passed this tradition onto grandchildren and great grandchildren. Isobel also enjoyed reading; her last book entitled “Zen”

At Isobel’s request, a Private Family Service will be held.

Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers and in memory of Isobel, donations may be made to the Interfaith Food Bank, 11033 Avenue North, Lethbridge, AB, T1H 0H7.

 

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

• Date : 2019-11-27
• Location : Lethbridge, Alberta