Isabel Jean Sully passed away peacefully at Alexandra Marine and General Hospital in Goderich, Ontario on Sunday, March 25 with daughters Anne and Jane at her bedside. Isabel was in her 88th year.
Isabel was predeceased by her first husband, Keith “Hoppy” Hopkinson (1964) and by Bruce A. Sully, devoted husband of 34 years (2010).
Isabel lived, in her words, a “magical” life – one filled with love and devotion to her family. Beloved mother to Anne Tafeit and her husband, Michael (Bayfield), Jane Sager and her husband, Clare (Markham); John Hopkinson and his wife, Christina (Calgary); Robin Sully and her husband, Antek Kubski (Ottawa); Mark Sully and his partner, Jill Muir (Goderich); Mike Sully and his wife, Anne (Vancouver). Isabel was Grandma to Matthew and Stephen Tafeit; Nicholas and Jeremy Sager; Ruth, Sandra, Andrew and Keith Hopkinson; Justin, David-John, Kate, Max, Jay, Alex and Elizabeth Sully; Simon and Jasmine Kubski. Isabel was delighted with the arrival of another new generation – Great Grandmother to Kingsley, Owen and Maude Sully and Jack Hopkinson.
Dear sister to Flora Schutz (Durham), Kerr Marshall (St. Thomas) and Marie Young (Waterloo).
Isabel was born in 1930 in Durham, Ontario to Andrew and Janette Marshall. Isabel became an elementary school teacher and taught until meeting and marrying Keith “Hoppy” Hopkinson and moving to Goderich. Following Hoppy’s sudden death in 1964, Isabel taught for many years at Victoria Public School in Goderich. She treated each pupil as “her own” and promoted and inspired them daily.
After many years devoted to her daughters, family and students, Isabel opened a new chapter in her life when she married Bruce Sully. Isabel and Bruce travelled extensively throughout the world on business and pleasure and were strongly committed to their community. Isabel served on the Board of the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital and was an avid bridge player. Isabel and Bruce spent joyous winters at their home in Naples, Florida where family and friends were always welcome and royally entertained. Her passion and zest for life will always be her legacy to her family – especially her grandchildren.
Visitation will be at McCallum & Palla Funeral Home, 11 Cambria Road North, Goderich, Ontario Monday, April 2, 2018 from 2:00pm – 4:00pm and 7:00pm – 9:00pm. Funeral services will be held at Knox Presbyterian Church, 9 Victoria Street North, Goderich, Ontario on Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at 1:00pm. Donations to The Knox Presbyterian Church – Goderich and the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital Foundation – Goderich are welcomed.
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Bryan Ainslie
My sincerest condolences to Anne and Jane for loss of their mother Isabel. I wish to express my condolences to the rest of the family as well, it truly is a sad time. Isabel, Keith and Bruce were a important part of our family as they were steadfast friends to the end of my parents lives. Isabel and my mother I will fondly remember both as they loved to play Bridge togather on ladies day when I was home recovering from surgery. Mother and John love to throw parties and Isabel and Bruce were always on the top of their list. I was remarking to my sister Jan, that the bridge club on earth is getting smaller but the heavenly club has a full table.
mary wilkin
anne, jane and to all of your family-my sincere condolences, on your mom’s passing, your mom was a strong woman which served her family well. she was also kind and friendly to all-i’m sure you will miss her greatly.
Becky and David McIvor
our Deepest sympathies to all. So sorry for your loss. She will be missed her warm smile and bubbly personality
sharon brown
To the family of Isabel…..So very sorry for the loss of your Mom and Grandma. You will have so many beautiful memories to share with each other. Isabel spoke so fondly of all of you and she had great stories to share of her travels and times spent with her children. She really had a zest for life and a true interest in many topics. She always had time to ask others about themselves and their families and lent a true listening ear. My condolences….Sharon Brown
Cheryl Lynch (Miller - Hamilton)
My sincere condolences to Anne, Jane and all of the Hopkinson / Sully families… Your mom was a truly grand lady inside and out… She will be truly missed…
Cindy Fisher Con Melady
To the Hopkinson and Sully families – our sympathy to you in the passing of your gracious and dear mother, Cindy Fisher and Con Melady
Jan Ainslie
My sincere condolences Anne, Mike and the entire Hopkinson and Sully family. Isabel was a beautiful, gracious lady. She was a great friend to my mother,Jean. Her kindness towards me will never be forgotten. She will be missed.
Cynthia Fox
Mrs. Sully was my teacher at Victoria School back in about 1977. I remember as a child thinking she was the most glamorous lady I had ever seen. Her clothes were so pretty and her hair was always shiny and perfectly in place. On her last day in class she gave us all an entire chocolate popsicle each, which was a real treat back then! I didn’t see again her after that day but I have always remembered Mrs. Sully as a beautiful, glamorous, and kind teacher. Condolences to her family, friends, and everyone whose heart she touched during her time on earth.
Ellen & Stan Connelly
We are so sorry hearing of Isabel’s passing. We will miss our across the street visits with her. Her enthusiasm for life was truly contagious.
Duanne Budnark
Sincere condolences to Anne and Jane and families. Isabel was an amazing lady who always had the time for kind words and pleasant company. I will always cherish the memories of her as a teaching colleague and friend.
John and Isabelle Moore
Extending our sympathy to both families.
She was such a lovely lady.
John and Isabelle
Elizabeth Selinger
To Isabel’s family,
I am so sorry to hear of Isabel’s passing. Although the Selinger family lived in Goderich for only five years in the early sixties, Isabel and I became good friends and I visited her almost every time I was in Goderich after that. I will cherish my memories of sweet, caring Isabel.
Ken & Sylvia McGee
To the family.
What a wonderful lady. Always so prim and proper, friendly to all. If we had a title- First Lady of Goderich- Isobel should have been given that crown.
Cheryl Dunn
My condolences to Sully family. You will miss this special lady. She was a true lady and I will miss her visits to Wuerth’s Shoes. She was always to polite and kind to myself and staff. Always took the time to tell us about her children and grandchildren of whom she was so proud. Tell her stories often and they will stay close to your hearts.
Byron and Dawn Scott
Anne, Jane and Families, As the progress of our lives continue, we intersect with those that influence where we go next. Our memories of your mother are of her sitting out in the sunshine on the front patio at Harpers Croft reading the newspaper while waiting for you to return home from work. Our paths would inevidably cross and we would exchange some thoughts of the moment, be it about grand children or simply the weather. We always found the contact uplifting. She was so proud of you all. It made us want to emulate her philosophy on life. She left her mark on many and will be fondly remembered. Thanks for the memories. Byron and Dawn Scott
Domenic Della Ventura
Jane – My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
John Marshall
We send our condolences to you both Anne and Jane and your families. Aunt Isabel lived a full life and lived life well. I have so many fond memories of your mother at family celebrations that included weddings and holiday gatherings in Durham, Kitchener and Goderich. I was so pleased that our own children were able to experience firsthand her gracious and caring nature when we visited Goderich two summers ago. Sending love and prayers from Saskatoon. John & Monique & family
Al and Mary Lou Schoening
With our deepest sympathy and prayers to you all as we remember the graceful beautiful Isabel. Her smile and welcoming personality made everyone she met feel as if they were her very best friend. She and Bruce were a true example of a loving, caring and eternal love relationship. We have such fond memories of our short but meaningful visits. All our love.
Ralph Smith
I remember when Sheila and I attended Stratford Normal School together in 1950. Later she taught at Victoria School in Goderich when I was the principal. I send my sympathy to the family in her loss.
Barb Allen
Anne and Jane
With deepest sympathy.
Barb
Anne Knops(legg)
I am so sorry to hear this Anne and family. My sympathies to all of you. It was lovely to see you, Anne, and Isabel only a couple months ago at Vic. She was an incredible first class lady and wonderul teacher. An extremely strong dedicated woman that set an example for many of us. God Bless.
Cecelia Denomme
Dear Family – with special thoughts to each of you and of Isabel – she was beautiful ! – a special lady and special part of our community. So blessed to know her.
Sincerely Cecelia and Don
Anne Black
It was a sad day yesterday when we were called of Isabels passing , she was a wonderful kind lady , I met her in 1973 when I started doing her hair until I retired 3 years ago , we shared many stories & I will forever have wonderful memories of our friendship and her kindness . Bless you Ann & Jane and all your family, cherish your memories …..Love Anne
Jodie Reid
Sending my sincere condolences to Anne, Jane and the entire Hopkinson / Sully families. I have so many fond memories of your Mom, especially our neighbourhood birthday parties, growing up. She was a remarkable lady. I shall continue to toast her on Sept. 27th.
Carolyn Duckworth
To Isabel’s Family:
I was so sorry to hear of Isabel’s passing. We first met when she was a member of the Board of Governors of AM&GH and I would like to think we became friends. She was always so cheerful and whenever I met her at Zehrs (after my retirement) we would talk. Please accept my sincere condolences and remember the joy she brought into everyone’s life.
Carolyn
brian king
Our sincere condolences to the family. She was a great lady.
Marlyen Torrie
We send our condolences to Isabel’s family and each of her siblings Isabel grew up in our neighbourhood and was always a delight bringing laughter and kindness to all she knew.We know how much her earthly presence will be missed and we encourage you that we do not sorrow as those without hope for one day you will see her again and although she is away her love will always remain with each of you and your love travelled with her.
May the love of Jesus Christ surround and comfort each of you and all of the loving memories you have of Isabel come to your thoughts and heart. love from the Knisley Family from Normandy Township
Julie Ruston
Anne & Jane and family – my only regret was never having had the pleasure of meeting Isabel in person….I felt like I knew her through the great stories Anne shared with me while we were colleagues….Isavel sounded like such a lovely and lively person whose passions were her family & life….my heat felt condolences are with you all….Julie Ruston
Nancy and Junior White
Our sincere sympathy to Isobel’s family…she was a great lady….in 1962 she co-ordinated our wedding dinner at North Street Church…she was a delight to work with…..Cherish your memories……
Debbie MacAdam
To all of Isabel ‘s family
So sorry for your loss .Such a great lady and will be truly missed by many .
Our sincere codolences to you at this sad time .
Take care
Debbie MacAdam and Bill Boak
Joanne McWhinney
I remember her as a kind, gentle lady who genuinely cared for every student. My condolences to her family for your loss. Please know that this lady left a lasting impression on many of her young students and we’ll remember her forever.