Mary Isobel Greenwood
April 9, 1931 ~ December 16, 2017
Resided in:
Fremont, California
Mary “Isobel” Greenwood, 86, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on Saturday, December 16, 2017 in Fremont, California. She was born April 9, 1931 to William and Marguerite Purdy in Ogden, Utah.
On June 20, 1955 she married Bruce Greenwood in the Manti, Utah temple. Isobel enjoyed surrounding herself with the things she loved, most of all children. Growing up an only child she always wanted to have 16 children. She and Bruce had four of their own and then continued to fill their home with more€¦ many more foster kids, far surpassing her original goal of 16.
She loved to go camping, especially at Lake Tahoe. She especially loved family reunions. “Gramma Belle” will long be known for her talent of filling her camper with goodies for all the grandkids. They loved stopping by her camper for a visit and a fruit snack, or licorice, or whatever other surprises she stored. Isobel always had a word of advice for all. Never at a loss for words, this often included one of the many funny sayings only she used. She also enjoyed painting ceramics, cooking, eating, shopping, and listening to Engelbert Humperdinck.
Survived by: her husband Bruce; her daughter, Cynthia Madsen (and Brian) of Bountiful, Utah; her son, Jeff Greenwood (and Risa) of Afton, Wyoming; her son, Steve Greenwood (and Kathy) of Fremont, California; Todd Lorenzo of Fremont; Jason (and Kelly) Alvis of Crows Landing; and Laura Santos of Fremont, 17 Grandchildren and 34 Great Grandchildren, as well as many relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, and son, William.
A viewing will be held Wednesday, December 20 from 5:00 to 8:00pm at Chapel of the Angels, 40842 Fremont Blvd., Fremont. Internment at Chapel of the Chimes, Hayward.
Thank you to all the doctors, nurses, and therapists that attended to her needs in her final days and hours. You were our angels!
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When God was making Mothers
He must have made a fuss
He spent a lot of time on one
And gave that one to us.
Of all the gifts in life
However great or small,
To have you as our Mother
Was the greatest gift of all.
Because you were so special
No words could ever say
How much we love and miss you
Today and every day.
Auntie Isabel;
you always treated me, with such love and care, like second mother. So truly I think the verse below speak of you so very much! God bless you and all your family still with us.
Thinking of all you Greenwoods during this time of loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers and may the blessings and comfort of our Heavenly Father enfold you. Praying for safe travels as you gather to say goodbye to a special lady.
Thinking of all the Greenwood’s today and always! Both your parents added to my childhood and for that I will always love them. I am so sorry for your loss and so wish I could be with you. XOXO
She was the neighborhood mom and I was blessed to have her as my neighborhood mom for 11 years. We always knew that we were welcome at the Greenwood home any time and we were always welcomed with a big smile and a sincere “how are you doing?” I know without a doubt that she is in heaven reuniting with Bill and both of my parents. If I remember right Isobel and my dad went to Sacramento High together. My thoughts and prayers are with Bruce and the family. Love you guys.
So sorry to hear about your mother. Keeping you all in my prayers.
Condolences to the Greenwood family on the loss of your matriarch. Just when by the old neighborhood a couple of weeks ago and fondly reminisce of my childhood and the Greenwood house was part of that. I wish you all fond memories during your sad time.
My deepest condolences to Bruce and the family. She’s been on my mind for weeks. Now I know why. She had a heart of gold and always made me feel at home. I have so many good memories all that time I spent with Bill, Kyle, Chris, John Paul, Sheryl and Tony. She was so caring, so wise, she always had the best advice. Even with all her kids and her busy schedule she always had time for us. Definitely my 2nd mom. Much love and hugs to the Greenwood family.
Thanks for all the lessons I needed to be a wife to your baby boy. It was an honor to be there your last days, weeks and months… I look forward to our reunion!!!
To the family that was and is a part of me, God Bless all of you, I cant put into words my feelings for Isobel and Bruce, Bill was and is my brother and his family, was also my family, it didn’t matter what was going on or how it surfaced, good or bad, I could call or knock on the door at any time, I was always welcomed with true care and love, I’m at a loss for words, God Bless all of you, Sincerely and with all my heart, John Paul