Isabelle Anna Bellisario, affectionately known as “Miss Izzy,” 90, passed away June 17, 2011 at the home of her daughter in Atlantic Beach, FL. Born in Packerville, CT on August 15, 1920, she graduated from Plainfield High School, Plainfield, CT, in 1938 and was married in 1941. She lived most of her life in Connecticut and traveled often on cruises and trips with friends and family.
Her first love was her family and friends who will always remember her for her unconditional love and the way she made each person in her life feel special through her kindness and compassion, deep and enduring strength, and abiding grace.
Throughout her life, she was active in the community, healthcare, the church, school and other activities. She also volunteered for many civic organizations including the Girl Scouts of America, the Red Cross, and the Republican Club of the Beaches.
She was predeceased by her parents, William and Elizabeth Bartholic, three brothers, Leroy, William and James Bartholic and her husband, Henry Bellisario.
She is survived by numerous friends and her six children: Toni (Dudley) Van Orman, Joseph (Diane) Bellisario, Sharon Fisher, Judy (Gary) Courtemanche, Patrick (Karis) Bellisario and Michael (Eileen) Bellisario; many nieces and nephews, 20 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren.
A Funeral Mass was held at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday June 23, 2011 in St Paul’s Catholic Church at 212 5th Street North, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service was held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 24, 2011 at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 1701 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, Florida.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Isabelle’s family from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, Wednesday, June 29, 2011 in the Valade Funeral Home, 20 Main Street, North Grosvenordale, CT, with a Funeral Service at 11:00 am in the Funeral Home. Burial will follow at West Thompson Cemetery, Thompson, CT.
For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Northeast Florida Community Hospice, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257 or to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave., 7th fl., New York, NY 10001.
Ossie and Joan
Writing a message of condolences on the loss of one’s mother is a very hard thing to do.For many this could be the biggest loss of their life.Mike, I did not meet or get to know mom but if you are a reflection of her then she must have been a lady….in the truest sense of that word.She must have treated people with dignity,respect and empathy.Not to mention the way you make each person feel special about himself/herself.
To you,Eileen and your family Joan and I are deeply sorry for this loss.
Jan Dodge Alton
My sincere sympathy to you all…..
It’s been years since I have seen any of you….but there was a time that our lives were all intertwined….between DKH and the Travel business…..how time does pass…
Just wanted you to know that I was thinking of you all and my all those great memories of your Mom help you through this time.
All my best to you….Jan Dodge Alton