Isabelle Corbett

1938 - 2020

On December 12, 2020 Mary Isabella Sunderland Corbett (Isabelle) passed away peacefully at the home of her son. In the last weeks of her life she was able to leave her locked down residence at Stella Maris to be surrounded and cared for by her loving family. Isabelle was born in Baltimore on January 22, 1938, the oldest daughter of John Clark Sunderland and Marie Tully Sunderland. Isabelle was preceded in death by her beloved sister and best friend, Cyril Sunderland French. Isabelle is survived by her children, Anne Denise Cross (Bruce), Chuck Corbett (Andrea), Kevin Corbett (Amy) and grandchildren John Corbett (Maura), K.C. Corbett (Kortni), Brendan Corbett (Emily), Patrick Cross (Jenn), Katie Davis (Kyle), Grace Cross, Kelsey Corbett, Jillian Corbett, Kalyn Corbett and Bethany Corbett.

Isabelle loved three things; God, her family and the Institute of Notre Dame. Her love of God manifested itself by how she lived her Catholic faith with conviction and humility. She was a tireless volunteer. She taught religious education for many years at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church where she also coordinated outreach efforts to local nursing homes and assisted living facilities. She often brought her grandchildren and their friends to assist her in these activities. Her fundraising efforts for worthy causes and those in need spanned everything from art auctions to bake sales and many things in between. Over the years she coordinated Christmas collections for many families in need. All was done with a smile, a loving heart and a powerful confidence that she was an instrument of the Lord. She desired anonymity whenever possible.

Isabelle's love of her family was limitless. She was divorced at a young age, but with the help of her parents, her sister and her Aunt Isabella Smith, she raised three children who saw in her the very essence of unconditional love and support. One of her greatest joys was attending Sunday mass with her family, followed by breakfast at the Bel Loc Diner. Her children witnessed the personal sacrifices she made to send them to Catholic elementary and high schools and her additional sacrifices that helped fund their college educations. Her children looked up to her and have taken comfort in knowing they had often told her she was their hero. Her one indulgence was her grandchildren who she showered with love and individual attention. She knew each of their likes and loves and often provided those things with quiet generosity. She was a voracious reader who enjoyed clipping and mailing articles she thought would be of interest to her family and friends. Her family would often joke that she alone kept Hallmark in business through the fact that she had 10 grandchildren who not only got individual Christmas and birthday cards, but also Valentine's, Easter, St. Patrick's Day and the occasional Mardi Gras or Arbor Day card. She maintained rich and lasting relationships with her nephews and her many cousins and friends.

Isabelle was a proud graduate of the Institute of Notre Dame where she also served as Alumnae President. She often spoke of her allegiance and gratitude to IND for teaching her skills that she used to provide for her family. She further served the School Sisters of Notre Dame through her many years of volunteer work caring for retired nuns at the SSND Mother House in Towson. Upon learning that she had sold her IND school ring many years earlier in order to pay a portion of his high school tuition, her son offered to get her a replacement. She was adamant that she did not want that, but she would be proud if instead, he would anonymously donate that money to IND with the expressed purpose that it be earmarked for tuition assistance.

Isabelle's generosity continues as she donated her body to the Maryland Anatomy Board. She confidently stated that she hoped some young doctor might learn something from her that could help someone down the road. A memorial mass will be celebrated on Monday, December 21, 2020 at 9:00 AM, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 8501 Loch Raven Blvd, Towson, MD 21286. In light of the pandemic, physical attendance is limited to immediate family and friends, but participation is welcomed via the IHM Facebook or YouTube channels.