Obituary of Isabelle (Leah) Crowell

CROWELL (Gillam), Leah Isabelle– It is with great sadness, but deep gratitude for her long life, that the family of Isabelle (Gillam) Crowell share the news of her peaceful passing on April 30th, 2026 at Parkland, Clayton Park, Halifax, NS. She was 96 years of age.

Isabelle was born in Corner Brook, Newfoundland on March 13, 1930. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

She excelled at school and attended Memorial College in 1946 on scholarship, returning to Memorial in the 1980s to take two  years of courses that interested her. Isabelle worked at the Bank of Montreal on West Street before meeting Earl Crowell who would become her husband on November 4, 1952. They enjoyed 56 years of marriage before his passing in 2009. She was a homemaker in the truest sense of the word, dedicating her life to creating a warm and loving environment. She practiced many skills: sewing, knitting, gardening (indoor and outdoor), cooking and baking, such as the elaborate birthday cakes she took so much pride in. She loved music and was very proud of being a part of the community choir and many stage shows in which she performed. She also had a passion for figure skating, attending many skating shows. She took great care of Earl through his strokes and other health issues exemplified by her dedication to him in his last year during which she didn’t miss a day visiting him when he was confined to bed at the DVA Pavilion after suffering his last stroke. Isabelle loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Predeceased by parents William Joseph and Sarah Beatrice Gillam; sisters Ann Poole and Rhoda Wells; brothers Alex, Bill, Don and Ira; sisters-in-law Jean Crowell, Joyce Crowell, Audrey Cziborr, Gwen Gillam, Hilda Gillam, Muriel Gillam, Vera Gillam, Phyllis Johnson, Shirley McNabb, Vivian Morris and Beth Noseworthy; brothers-in-law Donald Crowell, George Crowell, Roy Crowell, Eric Mahoney, Raymond McNabb, George Morris, Donald Poole and George Wells;  and nephews Gary Gillam and Don Wells. 

Leaving to mourn their loss and with a lifetime of wonderful memories are; sons Thomas (Adele) Halifax, NS and John (Patricia) Mount Pearl, NL; granddaughters Amelia (Spencer) and Julia (Sneh) and Stephanie (Adam); and grandsons Andrew (Lianna) and Stephen (Venessa); great-granddaughters Ella (Amelia) Scarlett and Lilah (Stephanie); sister Joan; brother Bob; sisters-in-law Phoebe (Bob) and Linda (Ira); and brother-in-law Billy Noseworthy; her dear friend Charmaine Davis and numerous nieces, nephews, friends and neighbours.

A very special thank you to the nurses and caretakers at Parkland Clayton Park for all of their loving care. Also a heartfelt thank you to Heather Osbourne who was great help to her while she was living in her Corner Brook home before moving to Nova Scotia.

Resting at Fillatre’s Funeral Home St. Mark’s Avenue Corner Brook. The funeral is to take place 11:00 am, Saturday June 13, 2026 at The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Corner Brook with The Very Rev. Catherine Short officiating with internment at Mount Patricia Cemetery. There will be a reception celebrating her life immediately following at the Glymill Inn at 12:30 pm.

Donations in her memory can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador or the charity of one's choice.