Isabell Ostrom

Died peacefully at home on Sunday, March 8, 2015 surrounded by devoted friend, Margaret Sutton. Isabell was a beloved aunt, friend and mentor. Mary Isabelle Bender was born in Crystal Township, Michigan to Meryl J. Bender, farmer and teacher, and Marguerite E. Smith, the oldest of 3 sisters on October 1, 1918. The family moved to California after the birth of the third daughter in 1923 when Isabell was 5 years old. Isabell cared for her sisters and the household while her father worked as a Los Angeles County firefighter and while her mother was in poor health. The family served as lifelong teachers beginning with her father teaching in a one room school house after completing Normal School in Michigan in the 1800's. Isabell followed as a teacher in a one room schoolhouse in Wyoming, then for Ontario School District in San Bernardino County and Santa Barbara School District. Her nieces and a nephew were also teachers prior to their retirements. After raising two sons, Peter Alfred Ostrom and James Vincent Ostrom, Isabell completed her MA and Teaching credential in Special Education at UCLA. She moved to Goleta where she waited for Santa Barbara School District to have an opening in Special Education and where she taught for over 20 years. She recently recalled the joy she felt when leading the annual Christmas play with her class, each year selecting the songs and actions that her students were able to complete. Isabell was preceded in death by her sons and her younger sister, Meryl June Brient. Isabell is survived by sister, Maisie Rose Barton, nieces Laurie Barton and Shirley Barton; 3 great nephews and 1 great niece, Matthew Bodell, Heather Bodell Anastasia, Scott Koukol and Brian Koukol; 4 great grand nephews and nieces, Abigail Bodell, Lauren Anastasia, Ethan Bodell and Carter Anastasia. Isabell was a lifelong learner participating in 20 Elderhostel trips within the United States, Europe, Russia, Sweden, Austria and Denmark. She also participated in an intensive home stay program in Central America to increase her Spanish skills. Her most cherished experiences were to Jerusalem, the Holyland and Oberamergau. Isabell's commitment as an advocate for those with disabilities took her to serve as an Ombudsman for her area on Aging in Santa Barbara County and on the California State Ombudsman Board during the 1980's and 1990's. Isabell enjoyed living in Vista del Monte Retirement Community for many years. She delighted in taking her nieces and nephews on walking and driving tours of the Campus and the City pointing out geological formations and botanical growth throughout the area. A memorial service will be held for her later in April. Isabell requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Christ the King Episcopal Church, Youth Program at PO Box 6188 Santa Barbara 93160. Arrangements by McDermott-Crockett Mortuary.