
Obituary of Isabel Ibbotson
In Loving Memory
Isabel Ibbotson (nee Simon), of Delhi, passed away peacefully at the John Noble Home, Brantford, on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 in her 89th year. She was born in Charlotteville Township, Norfolk County on January 18, 1937. Her family moved briefly to Kelvin and then settled in Windham Township, near Teeterville, where she attended elementary school. Isabel grew up on her Hungarian immigrant parents’ tobacco farm, located on the Brantford Road, and she graduated from Delhi High School. Always an excellent student and voracious reader, she earned her Honours B.A. (English) from Waterloo College (now Wilfrid Laurier University) in 1960. She was the first of her family to attend higher education. At university, she met her future husband, Herbert Ibbotson, and they were married July 1, 1961, at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Delhi. Isabel and Herb were hired to teach at Delhi District Secondary School. Isabel was head of the English department, while Herb was head of history, and later, vice-principal and principal. Isabel retired in 1967 to become a full-time homemaker. She served as an early board member of the Delhi Public Library and frequented libraries across Norfolk County, meticulously recording every book she ever read. She was an excellent cook and her family relished her traditional Hungarian cuisine, including cabbage rolls, cabbage and noodles, and beef soup. She was an avid gardener, her home filled with plants and her yard filled with flowers. She loved cats, classical music, true crime and British television shows. Beloved mother of Heather Ibbotson of Brantford and Hilary Machan and husband Stephen of Brussels. Dearest sister of MaryAnn (Simon) Tyler and her husband John. Also survived by nephews Leslie and Robert Aykler, James Simon, Andrew Tyler and niece Margaret Simon. Isabel was predeceased by her husband Herbert (2023), her parents Joseph Simon (1982) & Barbara (Peto) Simon (1966), her brother Joseph Simon Jr. (2003), and by her sister Margaret (Simon) Aykler (2011). A Private Celebration of Life will be held with Inurnment in Delhi Cemetery. Memorial Donations to Purrfect Companions of Norfolk or the Simcoe & District Humane Society can be made through the MURPHY FUNERAL HOME, Delhi (519) 582-1290 (www.mfh.care) and will be gratefully appreciated by the family.