WHITEHOUSE, Isobel Mildred (nee Howard) It is with great sadness, we announce that Isobel Whitehouse passed away in Peterborough August 9, 2019 at the age of 100. Her two daughters Catherine and Joan Whitehouse, her grandsons, Samuel and Frank, and great-grandson Teddy are among the many people whose lives she enriched immeasurably, We will all sorely miss her. Born Christmas Day, 1918, the daughter of Mirium Holliday and William Howard, Isobel was raised with her four brothers and sisters in the small town of Lanigan, Saskatchewan. She felt her childhood was idyllic, and stayed in close touch with her siblings (all now deceased). Isobel moved to Ontario when WWII broke out, first working in the payroll department of the war office in Ottawa, then as a riveter building fighter planes in Toronto. At the end of the war, she married Frank Whitehouse and moved to Peterborough where she had her two daughters. Frank died of cancer in 1961, leaving her with young children and a large mortgage. Looking for a job that paid well, she decided it was real estate, but women were not hired in that line of work at the time. She persisted in her job hunt, and was eventually hired by Rishor Barnes and Dietrich. But it was another year or two before she was allowed into the men's club breakfast meeting where new listings were presented. In time, she proved her competence, and managed her own branch of Rishor's on Charlotte Street; an all-girl office. From there, the company opened a third branch in Lakefield and she worked there as the Managing Broker. She continued selling for them until well into her 70's. Isobel is best remembered as a very loving and positive person who always did her best for others. Although she suffered many losses in her elderly years, she never complained, taking each day as it came and enjoying it to the fullest. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, August 31st from 12 to 2 p.m. at the Ashburnham Funeral Home on 840 Armour Road. Those who wish to come are very welcome.
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Hi Cathy and Joan,
Very sorry to hear about your Mothers death. I remember the family well.
I gave the funeral home my email address and I believe they sent it to you. I would love to hear from you both.
All the Best
Derek McKeever
Derek McKeever
April 25, 2020
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