Isabelle Anne Nebbs (nee Cowell)

With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Isabelle Anne Nebbs on January 14, 2026, at Lions Prairie Manor, with family by her side, just days shy of her 86th birthday.

Isabelle is lovingly remembered by her children: Tom Nebbs; Eleanor Braden (Pat Morrish); Karen Giffin (Todd); and Sharon Cox (Jim). She will be deeply missed by her twelve grandchildren: Nathan, Dallas, and Carly (Ryan); Kevin (Corrine), Scott, Cole (Courtney), Keon (Kayla), and Saige (Brandon); Jessie and Carter (Mackenzie); and Erin and Jordan. She was a proud great-grandmother to Seth, Reyna, Gemma, Jace, Tess, Addison, Brixton, Rowyn, and Nash. Also left to cherish her memory are her brother Clarke Cowell (Paula); niece Melanie Fraser (Lynne); cousin Judith Matthews; and many dear friends. Isabelle was predeceased by her husband Allan in 1975; her father Wallace in 1981; her mother Elsie in 2004; her son Fred in 2012; her daughter-in-law Debbie in 2016; her mother-in-law Mabel in 1985; her brother Donald in 2006; her sister-in-law Judy in 2017; and her nephew Kevin in 2021.

Isabelle was born on January 22, 1940, in Carberry, Manitoba, to Wallace and Elsie Cowell. She was raised on the family farm alongside her brothers, Don and Clarke. During her Grade 12 year, Isabelle selflessly stayed back to help on the farm and care for her mother after a serious burn injury. She later attended St. Michael’s Academy in Brandon, where she completed high school, and went on to earn her diploma in Registered Nursing from Misericordia Hospital. She met many lifelong friends in nursing school, who continued to get together for years. She began her nursing career at Neepawa Hospital, where she met her future husband, Allan, at the bowling lanes. They were married on July 20, 1963, and Isabelle gained two bonus sons, Tom and Fred. Their honeymoon was short-lived, as nine months later Eleanor arrived, followed 16 months later by Karen, and another 16 months later Sharon came along and completed their family.

The family lived in Neepawa until 1973, when they moved to Portage la Prairie after Allan was transferred to the Department of Agriculture. Portage became their lifelong home, where they built lasting friendships. Tragedy struck in December 1975 when Allan passed away unexpectedly, leaving Isabelle to raise her young children on her own. Though suddenly a single mother, she never let the challenges define her. Instead, she poured all her energy, love, and creativity into giving their children the happiest, fullest childhood possible. Her determination to provide for them and support them in every way drove her to be the very best mom she could be, and her children always felt her unwavering devotion. Determined and resilient, Isabelle returned to school to refresh her nursing credentials and re-entered the workforce. She worked in Health and Family Services until 1982, then at the Portage Women’s Shelter, before making a career change to become a teacher’s assistant with the Portage School Division. She was in her element working with children – teaching and encouraging them while learning new things herself. Her favourite subject was calculus.

Isabelle lived much of her life with arthritis, beginning at a young age, and underwent her first hip replacement in her early 40s. Despite this, she rarely slowed down. Her distinctive walk became lovingly familiar, and many of her grandchildren fondly remember imitating her playful sway, a memory now cherished with smiles and laughter.

Growing up, Isabelle’s home was always open and a safe place for many children. She loved sports and encouraged all her kids to participate in athletics and extracurricular activities. Known by many affectionate titles - including Izzy, Whizzy, Isabelle Franklin, Supervisor, Mom, and Nan - she was famously crowned the “Chauffeur Extraordinaire.” Whether it was basketball, volleyball, field hockey, badminton, hockey, or baseball, the car was always full of kids, the stereo cranked, and an adventure ahead!

When each of her daughters reached Grade 8 and went to school camp, Isabelle signed up all three years in a row as the chaperone, cook, nurse and evening entertainment. Summers were her time to recharge, spent at the family cabin on Kerrs Lake, a place of peace, friendship, and cherished memories that continue to draw the family back to this day.

Isabelle had a deep love for animals, especially dogs. She cherished her special companions, Taffy and Stormy, and delighted in the company of all her children’s and grandchildren’s dogs as well. Time at the cabin on Kerrs Lake offered her the chance to watch and appreciate the local wildlife, a pastime she always enjoyed. She was even known to proudly wear sweaters adorned with animals, reflecting her fondness for the natural world and her playful, spirited style.

Isabelle was incredibly proud of her children and their families and was always happiest when included in whatever they were doing. Her face lit up whenever a grandchild - or even better, a great-grandchild - walked through the door. She was a devoted Nan and could often be found at the rink, cheering on her grandchildren at hockey games.

Her grandchildren will always cherish the time spent with their Nan, from after-school visits filled with good snacks and old-school video games to summer days up at the lake. They remember bocce ball and darts, bonfires with wiener roasts and fry pies, her famous mini pancakes, and simple joys like back scratches, the itsy-bitsy spider, action movies, and playing the Nintendo - where Nan often came out on top. Known for her sharp mind, she was lovingly called the “wizard,” and was always happy to help with homework and share a laugh, leaving behind countless cherished memories.

Isabelle loved trivia, sports, and art, and was a talented artist. But above all, she loved her family. She made the most of every situation and always wore a happy face. Over the years, Isabelle’s appearance naturally changed with time, but some things never did. Her big, beautiful blue eyes remained as kind and insightful as ever, carrying the same warmth, curiosity, and twinkle that brightened every room she entered. They reflected a lifetime of love, laughter, and wisdom - a window into the remarkable woman she was. Mom / Nan, we will miss you forever.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Lions Prairie Manor for their care, kindness, and compassion shown to Isabelle over the last few years.

A memorial service will be held at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 1:00pm, led by Amy Chappellaz.  The service will be livestreamed, to register and view click link below. A private scattering of ashes will occur at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made to the Portage Animal Welfare Society (PAWS): 121 12 St NE, Portage la Prairie, MB or to the Community Foundation of Portage & District Inc.: 206 Saskatchewan Ave E. Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 0K9, a charity of one’s choice.

A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com