Obituary of Isabell Elaine McDorman

Isabell Elaine McDorman née Baker passed away peacefully September 23, 2020, with family by her side. Born in Sudbury in 1931, she taught English as a Second Language in Toronto until her retirement and was considered by many students almost as a second mother. An only child, she was pre-deceased by her husband, Les McDorman, an electrical engineer and manager at Ontario Hydro, also from cancer. She is survived by her children, Heather, Grant, Gordon, and Homeira. Isabell lived a good life and was ready to go. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate in memoriam donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Girl Guides of Canada, with whom she was a member continuously for 81 years.She wrote the following herself for her obituary of things she was thankful for:-Living in a peaceful, free country of great beauty and resources where individuals have many opportunities and few deterrents has to come first, but beyond that, my life has been filled with kind, helpful people:- Parents who cared for me, always ready to do what they thought was best for me despite any inconvenience and considerable financial sacrifice. They chose to have two "war guests" (English WWII child refugees) so I would not be an only/lonely child for 5 exciting years. They paid for 5 years of university (location/courses etc my choice) although no one in their families had ever gone and the rest of the family were opposed ("she'll only get married anyway"). They encouraged me to a 6th year to attain a teaching certificate, even though my wedding was planned for following spring.- A grandfather who provided special "Santa Claus" toys for my early Christmases, then left enough inheritance to Mom and Dad to upgrade our living standard by building a tiny apartment building in which we lived. - A grandmother who willed me a house in Sudbury which financed Les' and my first car and down-payment on our first house.- In-law parents as well as parents who baby-sat and took us and/or kids on trips (our first overseas trip for example).- A husband who provided a marriage of 46 lovely and compatible years.- Children who didn't mind having to attend Girl Guide camps with me or the many local and international Girl Guides and leaders invading our house. Later they were excellent hosts to my ESL students, some of whom lived in our home, some became their friends - and one a spouse. Our children were so easy to raise: all were even tempered, with wide-ranging interests, academically gifted; as adults they remain close and very helpful, including my daughter-in-law.- School Board who offered me a job (I was then a school volunteer), even though I would have to teach by special permit since it was twenty years since my last employment, and who later agreed to keep the ESL class at a nearby school so I didn't have to travel. - The many wonderful friends that Guiding and teaching have given me including numerous ex-students who phone and visit, from across Canada and the States.I have enjoyed a healthy, care-free, comfortable, interesting, friend-filled life.