Isabelle was the long-time loving wife of Charles for over 66 years. They were residents of Villa Siena where in earlier years they were volunteers. Although born in France, Isabelle grew up in Dearborn, Michigan and attended Henry Ford’s private school, where she became one of his favorites. While studying the violin Ford loaned her a Stradivarius from his museum collection. During high school Ford sent her entire family to Europe for several months vacation. Isabelle’s father was an early radio pioneer and meteorologist for the former Ford Airline System. Her mother was an accomplished concert pianist from Lille, France.

Isabelle and Charles were high school sweethearts in the 30s and following WWII married in 1946. Charles retired from Ford Motor Company on the West Coast with over 30 years service. After living in Los Altos, CA for more than 40 years, the couple moved to Pebble Beach and later Monterey for 13 years.

Isabelle was a charming and very caring lady to know and always had nice things to say about everyone. She loved music and art and traveled multiple times to Europe and Latin America.

She had a part time working career at Stanford Medical School and also was active in the Palo Alto Children’s Health Council. In addition, Isabelle was a long time member of P.E.O., a philanthropic organization that funded an Iowa college for girls.

Besides husband Charles, Isabelle will be greatly missed by three living children; Ronald Smith in Redding, Bonny Meyer in Napa Valley, and Terri Michel in Mountain View, three grandchildren, and five great grandchildren in the California wine country.

A memorial service was held at Villa Siena in Mountain View on Saturday, January 12. Donations may be sent in her memory to the Villa Siena Foundation, 1855 Miramonte Ave., Mountain View, CA 94040.

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