She was born in Glasgow, Scotland, on May 22, 1927, a daughter of John and Janet (MacArthur) Carson. She was the widow of John P. Searles, who preceded her in death in 2005.
Isabella met John while he served in Europe with the U.S. Army Air Corp during World War II. She arrived in the United States in 1945, ahead of John’s return; it was a unique change of life for Isabella, as she transitioned from indoor plumbing to no running water, and outhouses. Her arrival in Maine was also memorable, as she was brought to the wrong Searles residence.
She was primarily a homemaker, raising nine children. For a short time, she worked outside the home, first for Burndies Corporation, which manufactured electronic parts for satellites. She then worked at Sprague Electric.
Isabella was an exceptional knitter and cook; her biscuits (the recipe for which she never revealed) were legendary! She also enjoyed the beach, and spending time outdoors. In later years, she accompanied her husband John to all points across the U.S. while he was a long-haul trucker. She was also a member of the Red Hatter’s Society.
In addition to her husband, she is preceded by a son, Al Searles, and a daughter, Susan Wyllie.
Isabella is survived by: four sons, John Searles and wife, Dorothy of Shelton, Connecticut, George Searles of Dallas, Texas, Thomas Searles of U.S. Virgin Islands, Gary Searles and wife, Maureen of Sumner Valley, Maine; three daughters, Janet Pernek of Monroe, Connecticut, Linda Searles of Zephyr Hills, Florida, Lois Searles and life partner, Linda Cellamare of Wells; her brother, Donald Carson of Corby, England; her sister, Jeannette Fish of Oklahoma; 20 grandchildren; and many, many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Visiting hours will be on Sunday, March 25, 2018, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 3 p.m. at Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St., Kennebunk. Spring burial will be in Pine Hill Cemetery, Wells Branch. Should friends choose, memorial donations in her name are encouraged to a veteran’s group of one’s choosing.
To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please visit Isabella’s Book of Memories Page at www.bibberfuneral.com.
Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St., Kennebunk, ME 04043; www.bibberfuneral.com.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.