Fe Isabelita "Isabel/Baby" de la Cruz died peacefully surrounded by her family on September 17th, 2021. She was 74 years old.

Isabel was born on January 27th, 1947, in Manila, Philippines. She graduated from Philippines Women's University in 1967 with a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters Degree in History. She met the love of her life, Victorino in 1963. They were friends for 3 years before they started dating and were married in 1968. In 1969, their first daughter, Ivy was born. Leaving most of their family and friends in the Philippines, they courageously emigrated to Canada in 1974. A new country, a new life, a new home. After settling into their new surroundings, a second daughter, Irene, was born in 1976. Isabel began baking custom cakes and it became a successful side venture for her. Family always came first though. A third daughter, Marivic, was born in 1983 to complete the family. After raising and nurturing 3 girls to independence, she decided to do something for herself. She had fulfilling careers at The Bay and Linens N' Things. She was charismatic, always friendly and helpful with co-workers and customers alike. Her expertise and attention to detail was greatly appreciated by all.

She always had a warm smile on her face. She loved her family deeply and had a passion for baking, cooking and the holidays. She made the best Christmas feast ever. She enjoyed taking walks in the park and being surrounded by nature. She loved flowers, especially yellow ones. She looked forward to spending time with family and friends whenever the chance arose. She was the heart of our home and our family.

She was diagnosed with breast cancer 5 years ago and privately, yet courageously battled it. She conquered it once and defied the odds. She blessed her family with 4 more precious years with her. Humble and loving yet strong and resolute through it all.
She will forever be missed by her loving husband of 52 years, Victorino, and their children, Ivy, Irene (John), and Marivic. She was a nurturing and proud grandmother to Lexi and Joshua. She will be lovingly remembered by her brother, Jose P. Echavarre and her twin sister, Fe Carmelita Alcantara-Pingol. She was preceded in death by her father, Salvador Alcantara, her mother, Maria P. Alcantara and her brother, Irineo P. Echavarre.

We would like to express our sincerest gratitude to the nurses, clinical assistants and doctors at St. Michael's Hospital, especially those on the Palliative Care floor, caring for her as if she was their own. They were amazing and compassionate, not only with her but with our family as well.

"The loss is immeasurable but so is the love left behind." - Unknown

Visitation will be held at Pine Hills Cemetery and Funeral Centre on Thursday, Sep. 23 and Friday, Sep. 24 between 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Please refer to the Pine Hills home page for Covid protocols in place. The Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Saturday, Sep. 25 at 2:00 p.m. It will be limited due to Covid protocols, however, it will be livestreamed. The link will be active 5 -15 minutes before the start of the funeral service on this web page. A Burial Service will follow at 3:00 p.m. Family and friends are welcome to attend.

We thank you for your love and support.