Obituary for Isobel Anne Kristijan (Gfeller)
Surrounded with the love of her family and her cherished classical music. Isobel went to be with the Lord on March 2, 2021, in her 80th year. She was the beloved wife of the late Miklós Kristijan for over 50 years. She was predeceased by her parents Frederick and Euphie (McColl) Gfeller and her much loved sister Margaret Stevenson. Isobel was the cherished sister of Ken Gfeller (Karen) and will be missed by nephews, Tim (Christine) and Scott (Sarah) Gfeller, nieces, Julia and Jodi Stevenson and her great nephews, Cole and Hayden Gfeller
Isobel brought a passion and determination to everything she undertook, always striving for excellence, meaningfulness and enjoyment. This was exemplified throughout her long career teaching, inspiring and influencing students in The Ottawa Board of Education schools. She passed on her love and expertise in vocal and instrument instruction as the Board’s Instrumental Music Consultant and coordinator of the extra curricular music, dance and drama programmes.
Upon retirement, Isobel and Miklós moved to Black Donald Lake, Calabogie, where her energies combined her strong Christian faith and love of Christian music with being choir director and organist for churches in Almonte and Calabogie. They settled at their beloved St. Andrew United Church, Calabogie, where she continued her music ministry, developing strong and meaningful friendships over the years.
Always seeking new interests, Isobel and Miklós’s love for their German Shepherd dogs, gardeners extraordinaire, a working concern and love for their community, and sharing good food and fun times with friends and family at their lake home, were always constants.
Special thanks to Dr. Nicole Dunlop, Roshene Lawson, Clinical Chaplain at St, Vincent’s Hospital, Kim Hallarn, Director of Care at The Redwoods and the assisted care staff, for their loving, compassionate care.
Isobel's final care has been entrusted to Zohr Family Funeral Home, Renfrew. A private internment will be in the spring at Hillcrest Cemetery, Calabogie and a memorial service in memory of Isobel and Miklós will be held in the summer. Tributes and condolences can be left online at www.zohrfuneralhome.com
Isobel brought a passion and determination to everything she undertook, always striving for excellence, meaningfulness and enjoyment. This was exemplified throughout her long career teaching, inspiring and influencing students in The Ottawa Board of Education schools. She passed on her love and expertise in vocal and instrument instruction as the Board’s Instrumental Music Consultant and coordinator of the extra curricular music, dance and drama programmes.
Upon retirement, Isobel and Miklós moved to Black Donald Lake, Calabogie, where her energies combined her strong Christian faith and love of Christian music with being choir director and organist for churches in Almonte and Calabogie. They settled at their beloved St. Andrew United Church, Calabogie, where she continued her music ministry, developing strong and meaningful friendships over the years.
Always seeking new interests, Isobel and Miklós’s love for their German Shepherd dogs, gardeners extraordinaire, a working concern and love for their community, and sharing good food and fun times with friends and family at their lake home, were always constants.
Special thanks to Dr. Nicole Dunlop, Roshene Lawson, Clinical Chaplain at St, Vincent’s Hospital, Kim Hallarn, Director of Care at The Redwoods and the assisted care staff, for their loving, compassionate care.
Isobel's final care has been entrusted to Zohr Family Funeral Home, Renfrew. A private internment will be in the spring at Hillcrest Cemetery, Calabogie and a memorial service in memory of Isobel and Miklós will be held in the summer. Tributes and condolences can be left online at www.zohrfuneralhome.com