Isabel Marie Smith

Isabel Smith, beloved daughter, sister, wife, aunt, friend, stepmother and cat lover passed away peacefully in her home in Anaheim, CA.

Isabel was born in Brooklyn, NY, where she spent her early years. In 1953, after her father’s death, she moved with her mother and two brothers, Gino and Ed, to Long Beach, CA. In 1963, Isabel became a stewardess with TWA and moved back to NYC, where she met her husband, Frank. They married in 1965 and lived on the Upper East Side in Manhattan for several years before moving back to California in the early 70’s. Frank worked as an illustrator for the Walt Disney Company, and in 1978, Isabel started as a buyer in the costume department. Isabel’s talent and hard work propelled her to become Manager in the Creative Costume Division at Disney, responsible for both domestic and international projects. After 25 years, she retired in 2003.

Isabel is pre-deceased by her loving husband of 23 years, Frank, and her “baby” brother, Ed. She is survived by her “big” brother, Gino, her nephews, Steve, Dan, Paul, and Lou, her niece, Gina, eleven great nephews and nieces, and eight great great nephews and niece. She also leaves behind many amazing and dear friends.

Isabel enjoyed cooking, reading, theater, movies, art, and traveling and especially loved spending time with family and friends. She was passionate about her cats and always had one or two or three. Isabel had impeccable taste and style and took great pride in her home, where she made many beautiful memories with friends and family over the years. Isabel was selfless, generous, compassionate, and loving. She was grace, elegance and humor spun together by nonstop energy. To her family and friends, she is an irreplaceable work of art. She is missed very much.

A service to celebrate Isabel’s life will be held at Forest Lawn in Cypress on Wednesday, April 10th at 2:00. A reception will be held afterward at a place yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The American Lung Association.