Isabella M. Allard

Isabella Allard passed away January 16, 2006 with all her children surrounding her. She was born January 12, 1913. The last of 16 children, her parents were Raymond and Sophie Mastaw. She the last surviving member of the original band of Chippewa Indians. She can now rejoice with her people. We will all miss her, but when we try to remember what she would say perhaps it will lessen the load. She celebrated her 93rd birthday this year. Just before she passed she cooked a couple of chickens, chocolate cake, potato salad, Jell-O and topping. Then she sat in her chair and went to sleep by way of a massive stroke. All of her brothers and sisters preceded her in death. When she outlived two of her children, she said "no more," unless it's God's will. She was lonesome for Jesus and couldn't wait to see him, hopeful he would be wearing his red and white robe. As we all spoke of our disbelief we agreed to consult a higher authority. This is what Jesus told us: Your mother tried in every way on Earth to be faithful, humble and an honest servant to me. She took up her crosses in complete willingness, and she had many. I granted her wish of not taking one of her babies. I also had to deal with the 39 years of your father's longing to see his children and grandchildren. He said that the ones that would follow him first were the most willing. I blessed the families they left behind with gifts of my love each moment of each day. Your father, Cyril, missed his grand babies so much, and when I saw my heart in you I blessed some of his children with an angel to help your father and grandfather. Your father knew it would be hard and trusted in me as I chose the angels. You all know their mother's; Rose, Cathy, Kathy-Jo, Lori and Tracey. I bless these mothers as well for their courage. Your mother, Isabella and father, Cyril, rejoice with me now and love the faith they have in their children to keep me first in their life. Through all of this your mother accepted my will. So for her birthday I gave her heaven. We would like to express how amazed and grateful we are for those that were able to attend our "momma's" ceremony. The words we use to describe our feelings of comfort as you all entered seems to be so inadequate. It is not just a simple thank-you, it is "oh my gosh you made it" kind of feelings. Our appreciation is unending. All of the grandchildren, great and great-great grandchildren showed their love and respect for a wonderful Grandma. The inspirational gathering of her nieces and nephews was awesome to be a part of, we so needed your company. You know how much a mother is loved in the community when the butcher, nurses, elders, and her "main usher" in church came to pay their respects. She left nine children to finish her work: Mike Allard, Joy Lewis, Mary Allard, Gregory Allard, Rose Allard, Jackie Allard-Sylvester, Joe Allard, Kateri Allard and Cyril John Allard, all reside in Michigan. Also surviving are some that she called her "other" children that were family friends. Her husband Cyril and son Tom, daughter Muriel all went before here to make ready her welcoming to Jesus whom she could not wait to see. Services were held January 19, 2006 at the Holy Family Catholic Church. Officiants were Father John Haskall and Father Miro D. Wiese. Final resting place is Holy Family Catholic Cemetery in Rose City, MI. The family was assisted by Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home. Donations may be directed to the Allard family.