Isabelle Harnden, who many called “Izzy” among friends and was known as Nanny to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, passed away quietly on March 24, 2026, at the age of 90. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Gus Harnden in 2014; they had been married for 57 years.
She was born May 6, 1935 in Fort William to Gordon and Margaret (Mac Gray) Houston. Isabelle often shared stories about growing up on Sprague Street with her two sisters, Shirley and Elizabeth “Liz,” playing with neighborhood kids, spending family time at their camp in Silver Harbour, and enjoying winters on their dad’s backyard ice rink.
Isabelle went to Isabella Street School and Fort William Collegiate Institute. Her first job was at the Royal Bank before she worked for Census Canada. She dedicated many years to raising their three kids: Cindy, Susanne, and Andrew. Later on she went back to school where she earned a General Arts and Science Diploma focusing on Child Care Work.
For more than three decades, she actively took part in the Port Arthur Moose club and Moose Ladies group. There she helped out with charity events, teas, sewing circles-and of course enjoyed socializing. Isabelle and Gus also loved playing in the Moose mixed curling league for several years plus joining their friends at out-of-town bonspiels over time.
During summer months Isabelle and Gus valued their times spent at Pearl where they made countless memories with family and friends. Izzy was a caring Nanny who really enjoyed going to her grandchildren’s sports games or activities-always showing up for those special moments. She was truly the heart of family get-togethers preparing endless Christmases, birthdays, Sunday dinners that brought everyone together.
Her kindness stood out along with her steady love for family and how naturally she made others feel important and cared for.
Isabelle went before us after her husband Gus; also predeceased by her parents Margaret and Gordon Houston; sister Liz Roulston; brothers-in-law Ken Roulston and Mike Chykaliuk.
She leaves behind her children Cindy (Jack) Rioux, Susanne (Don) Poirier and Andrew (Christine) Harnden; grandchildren Donny Rioux, Shannon (Mike) Rossi, Steve (Karleen) Rioux, Trevor (Jocelyn) Rioux, Chantal (Kyle) Lester along with Audrey and Tyler Harnden; plus ten great-grandkids Henrik, Ivy, Kyla, Damon, Leo, Charlie, Avery, Violet, Ryan, and Baby Austin. Also surviving is her sister Shirley (Houston) Chykaliuk.
The family wants to thank all the staff on Hogarth Riverview Manor’s 4 North Care team for treating Isabelle kindly throughout her stay there right up until the end.
Following Isabelle’s wishes cremation has already taken place; a private burial will happen later on. If anyone wishes to honour Izzy’s memory donations can be made to Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay-they would mean a lot.
Forever loved , forever missed
Condolences may be made through www. nwfainc. com
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