Obituary of Isabel F. Fowkes

Isabel F. Fowkes, 95 of Westvale, passed away at home on Sunday, March 17. She was born October 18, 1928 and raised in the small village of Sharbot Lake, Ontario, Canada before relocating with her family to Perth, Ontario. She earned a baccalaureate degree at Queens University in arts and science in 1949 and relocated with her husband Glen to Syracuse, NY in 1959. She proudly became a naturalized US citizen but continued frequent visits back to Sharbot Lake to be with family, friends and enjoy summer life at the cottage. She touched many lives while employed by the Onondaga County Dept. of Social Services Children’s Division as a Senior Caseworker until her retirement in 2002. 

Isabel will be remembered for her remarkable strength and inspiration she gave to family and others during her life. Whenever she was presented with a problem or issue, Isabel would strive to find out as much about it as she could. She would make phone calls, visits to the library, or question experts until she could reflectively make a decision. At the same time, she had an almost magical ability to relate and listen, without judgement, to all who met her.

She is survived by her sons, John and Mark; daughter-in-law, Catherine; grandchildren, Derek, Jessanie and Jacquelyn; granddaughter-In-law Leah, grandson-in-law Gregory; great grandson, James. She was preceded in death by her husband, Glen, and sister, Shirley, and children Matthew and Mary.

Calling hours will be on Thursday, April 4, from 1 to 3 pm at Tindall Funeral Home, 1921 W Genesee St. Syracuse.

Memorial services will later be held on Friday, June 21, at 11am at St. Mark the Evangelist Episcopal Church, 1612 W Genesee St. Syracuse.

Burial will ultimately be at Grove Cemetery in La Fargeville, NY. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Doctors without Borders or the College of American Pathologists (foundation.cap.org/ways-to-donate/online-donation/)