Isabel Colella

Isabel passed away peacefully on January 9. She is survived by her husband, Frank; daughters, Maria Colella and husband , Alex Himes, Nancy Colella and husband, Peter Klages, and Patricia Lowery and husband, Scot Lowery; granddaughters, Alexia Klages and Morgan Lowery; and step-grandchildren, Stephen Klages and Sarah Klages. She was a brave and vibrant woman. She and Frank came to the U.S. from Venezuela, seeking the American dream. She very proudly became an American citizen, and was fiercely patriotic. Despite having little formal education, she quickly learned Italian and English. She and Frank were intent on creating a better life for their daughters. She was very proud that the sacrifices she and Frank made allowed their daughters to go to college and on to successful careers. She loved music, and never hesitated to sing and dance whenever she had the chance. She was an excellent seamstress, could figure out how to duplicate any item of clothing or crochet just by looking at it, and, to everyone's delight, she was a wonderful cook and baker. She used her superior cooking skills for many years at Albuquerque Public Schools, and never tired of receiving the surprised compliments of students and teachers who enjoyed her cooking until she retired. She lived in an assisted living home for her last 3 years. A Rosary will be recited Wednesday, January 14 at 6:00 pm at FRENCH-Lomas Chapel. Mass will be celebrated Thursday, January 15 at 9:00 am at The Shrine of St. Bernadette, 11509 Indian School Rd. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery. The family gives heartfelt thanks to the kind staff at Willow Wood and at Hospice of the Sandias, for making her day-to-day life as comfortable and pleasant as possible, and for welcoming Frank warmly on his daily visits. FRENCH - Lomas 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE (505) 275-3500