Our dearly beloved mother, grandmother, great-mother, great-great-grandmother Isabel Munoz passed away peacefully on February 28,2023 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was a blessed 95 years old charismatic woman.
Isabel was born on November 19,1927 in Williams Arizona. Isabel was the youngest of six siblings who preceded her in death. She enjoyed dancing; writing; and pottery making as a young child. Isabel traveled with her mom to California at the age of
15. Her first jobs involved sorting fruits at the cannery and pressing clothes at the cleaners.
Isabel met our dad Ezequiel Munoz at Del Monte Cannery. They enjoyed dancing at Sweets and Sands Ballroom in downtown Oakland. They were married in 1945. They raised their nine children in Oakland. Isabel is survived by her loving children Daniel, Magdalena Munoz, Ezequiel, Arthur, Josephine Munoz, Mickey, Mario, Gerado, and Patricia Prado.Her husband Ezequiel preceded her in death in 1980.
Isabel (mom;grandma; La Senora), was the matriach and heart of the entire Munoz familia. Isabel adored each one of her 70 descendants of nieces; nephews; grandchildren; great-grandchildren;great-great grandchildren who are sprinkled throughout Northern and Southern California.She had two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren who preceded her in death. Isabel's memory and knowledge by name of all her children and grandchildren was a remarkable blessing throughout her entire life until her last day.
While raising nine children, Isabel was a hard working woman. She was an engaging;independent; ambitious woman dedicated in service to others. Her jobs included working at Alameda County Health Department as a translator with families to understand the importance of immunizations which included her traveling to schools and homes. Isabel was promoted to a Social Worker for Mental Health Rehad.
She had two offices, one on Fruitvale and the other at the Eastmont Mall. As a Social Worker, Isabel drove patients to Napa,was a counselor to the patients that also included going to A's games. While working, Isabel found time for community service volunteering as a translator and a secretary at the Spanish Speaking Unity Council.
After she retired from the County, she became a housekeeper. At the age of 70, she sought to help in the hospice arena. caring for people.To become a Hospice Care Person, would require her to be certified. Being a lifelong learner and serving others, Isabel passed the requirements to receive her certificate. By attending classes, reading books, she passed the test and became certified.
Isabel's favorite hobby was her trips to the Casino. From her overnight trips with her children and the bus trips from the San Antonio Senior Center to Reno. The car rides to the Casinos with her children and grandchildren were always an exciting adventure. The most famous pastime was Isabel's love of dancing in life and specifically on the dance floor. Isabed always showcased her love for dancing at family weddings;parties;and celebrations. Her love for dancing throughout her entire life is timeless in the moments she created with all of us.
Isabel enjoyed the time spent at the Senior Center where she had a host of friends who would light up when she came into the room. "Chavella" as she was called, brought them joy in her story telling and spirited personality.
Isabel's magnificent fabric of love of life and passion for others was showcased throughout her 95 years of life. As a daughter;sister;auntie;mom;grandmother and friend, Isabel embraced her roles humbly with energy; laughter; love and pure joy. For Isabel's decendants, she will always be an inspiration and motivation to live life with faith in God, and enthusiasm as it's woven into each of them to carry her legacy.
Funeral Services are as follows:
Visitation at Cooper's Chapel 1580 Fruitvale Avenue Oakland CA 94601 - 4:00p.m.
8:00p.m. Rosary at 6:00p.m.
March 23,2023
Funeral Mass at St. Elizabeth Church 1500 34th Avenue Oakland CA 94601 -
10:00a.m., then to St. Mary's Cemetary 4529 Howe St. Oakland CA 94611 March 24, 2023.
