Wilcox, Isabel C. Raynard
Isabel C. Wilcox, (Raynard) a lifelong resident of Wethersfield, CT, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2023, in Hartford, CT at the age of 93. She is survived by her devoted daughters, Jill Wilcox Still (James Still) and Betsy Warner (Craig Warner), both of whom provided tireless and loving support to their mother. Her beloved son, Douglas Allan Wilcox, pre-deceased his mother in December 2021 at the age of 67.
Born in Hartford, CT, Isabel (I.R.) was the daughter of Isabel Lumsden Raynard and Clarence B. Raynard. Upon graduating from Wethersfield High School in 1947, she attended Edgewood Park Junior College in Briarcliff Manor, New York, and Cambridge Secretarial School in Hartford, Connecticut. Isabel worked at Aetna Insurance Company, Hartford, Edward P. Wilmer, Pediatrics, Wethersfield and Finance Systems, Hartford. Isabel worked tirelessly to support her son, Douglas. Doug was born at a time when parents of individuals with Down Syndrome and other disabilities were encouraged to place their children in institutions; however, Isabel thought otherwise and raised Doug in her home with his siblings. She fought for his right to be educated, have meaningful employment and as many social and recreational opportunities as possible. Doug was “#1” and she stood by his side in her home until his death.
Isabel's father was born in Boston, MA and moved to Halifax, Canada as an infant. Her mother was born in Ontario, Canada. Isabel was very proud of her Canadian heritage and spoke often about family trips to Nova Scotia. Her father served in the Canadian Army during WW1.
In addition to her daughters, Isabel is survived by her sister Ruth Hageman (Robert) of Casper, Wyoming, sister-in-law Diane Raynard, grandchildren Ryan Douglas Still (Corinne M. Still), Derek Stewart Still (Devon Bartley), and David Andrew Warner (Amanda Z. Warner). She is also survived by four great-grandchildren – Finley Still, Grady Still, Ronan Still, and Alaire Still and several nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her brother, Douglas Raynard, her son Douglas Wilcox, and two grandchildren, Andrew Douglas Warner and Colin Barnes Still (Ericha L. Still).
Isabel was a Golden (50-year) member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Wethersfield, CT. In adherence to Isabel's wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral. Donations may be made in Isabel's memory to HARC, Inc. 900 Asylum Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105, or to Gigi's Playhouse NYC, 106 West 117th Street, New York, NY 10026. The D'Esopo Funeral Chapel, Wethersfield was entrusted with Isabel's arrangements.