Isabel MacLean Simmons

Isabel MacLean Simmons, a devoted nurse, loving mother, world traveler, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 19, 2025 at the age of 101.

Born on the Hebridean island of Islay in the Scottish Highlands, Isabel, lovingly known as Belle, spent her early years in Port Charlotte. A Gaelic speaker, Isabel grew up surrounded by the natural beauty of the Scottish coast, where she tended to her ducks and did her homework by oil lamp with the Port Charlotte lighthouse visible from her bedroom window.

Inspired by the war effort, Isabel left her island home to pursue a career in nursing, first training in Glasgow and then in London where she met her husband to be, Harold Charles Simmons. In 1957 Isabel embarked on a new journey to the United States, arriving in New York City and securing a position at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, where she dedicated over 30 years in nursing, achieving head operating room nurse in neurosurgery. In 1959, Isabel married Harold raising three children, Isabel, Charles, and Ian in northern New Jersey. She balanced motherhood and a demanding career, commuting daily to Manhattan.

In retirement Isabel embraced the serenity of nature, regularly hiking in Ringwood Manor and Skylands Manor Parks well into her 90’s. She was an avid reader, tea drinker, Scrabble player, world traveler, bird watcher, and a talented embroiderer. In her last years, she moved to Durango, Colorado, to be near her family, where she celebrated four more birthdays surrounded by loved ones, including her 100th & 101st birthdays. Isabel’s life is a testament to resilience, compassion, the spirit of adventure, and the embrace of the unknown with vigor, which carried her from the shores of Scotland through a lifetime of meaningful service, love, and wonder. She is survived by her beloved children, Isabel (and husband John), Charles, and Ian (and wife Melissa), and two grandchildren, all who will forever cherish her memory. The family extends their deepest gratitude to Durango Health & Rehabilitation Center staff.

 She is preceded in death by her father Donald McLean, mother Flora McEachern and sister Mary McEndeor.