Obituary of Isabel H. Pope

93, died peacefully at home in Mount Denson, Hants County, on Saturday, November 30, 2013 surrounded by the family who loved her. To all who knew her, Isabel leaves behind an example of a fully lived life, actively engaged to the end. Her sharp mind and glowing spirit will be deeply missed.Born in Shelburne, the youngest of six children, she was the daughter of the late Rev. G. R. and Hattie (Gunn) McKean. She grew up in various rural communities in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, where her father had pastorates. A graduate of Dalhousie University and the Maritime Business College, she taught bookkeeping at the Maritime Business School and at the Halifax County Vocational School prior to her marriage.Isabel was actively associated with her husband Bill in his pastorates in Bayfield, N.B. and Great Village, N.S. Isabel successfully blended family and career. Married for 57 years, she and her husband were a perfectly matched team. Sharing the same ideals and a huge capacity for work, they made big things happen. Together they founded and ran the seniors home, the Windsor Elms and later the Lancelot Press publishing company.As publishers, they helped bring the dreams of many local writers to print. They attracted a lifelong circle of creative spirits and encouraged their children to pursue their own artistic careers. Among the works they published was a book by their son Robert called Illness and Healing, recording in words and in art his experience with cancer. After their son’s death at age 35, Isabel and Bill established the Robert Pope Foundation and travelled widely touring Robert’s paintings in cities throughout North America and abroad. This Foundation continues to support, through scholarships and other programs, art and medical students at NSCAD and the Dalhousie Medical School.Isabel and Bill also sponsored and organized ten tours by the Second Mile Society, a Christian fellowship they founded, that took groups to many local and international places of interest. A life member of the U.C.W., Isabel was honoured by having the Great Village U.C.W. named for her. Her family held a special place in her life.Isabel is survived by her daughter, Janet (David Rimmington), son, Doug (Kathleen Rosborough); her sister-in-law, Gladys; step-grandchildren (Jay, Kate and Emma); and by many nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Bill; son, Robert; sister-in-law, Margaret; sister, Mildred (Paul Baird); brothers, Harold (Dorothy), Alex (Geraldine), Douglas (Charlotte), and Hector (Gladys).She will be remembered by family and friends for her cheerful disposition and kind nature. An active gardener, an avid reader, a skilled accountant and an unsurpassed listener, Isabel combined qualities of wisdom and toughness. Her patience and understanding made her a much-loved mother, a respected businesswoman, and a generous member of her church and community.The family would like to thank Dr. Mark Kazimirski, the dedicated nurses of the VON, Bev Lyttle and her palliative team, the staff of the Hants Community Hospital, for the support and care they generously gave.Arrangements have been entrusted to DeMont Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 419 Albert St., Windsor (902-798-8317), where a service to celebrate Isabel’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 4, Rev. Heather MacDougall officiating. A reception will follow in the funeral home’s Elmcroft Reception Centre. Private family interment will be held at a later date in Riverbank Cemetery, Hantsport. Donations in memory of Isabel may be made to Robert Pope Foundation, 16 Bobolink St., Halifax, NS B3M 1W3. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting: www.demontfamilyfuneralhome.ca