Hoosick Falls – Isabel M. McGuire, 48, passed away on Thursday, March 13, 2014, at her residence surrounded by her family. She had resided on Main Street in Hoosick Falls, NY, with her mother, Isabella J. McGuire; she was the daughter of the late Leo McGuire. Isabel was born on October 5, 1965, in Bennington, VT.
Isabel graduated from Hoosick Falls Central School with honors. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from SUNY Potsdam and earned her Master’s in teaching from the University of Albany. She began her teaching career at St. Mary’s Academy in Hoosick Falls, where she worked for eight years. In 1995 she took the high school math position at Hoosick Falls Central School, where she was in her eighteenth year teaching. She was the National Honor Society Advisor, Math Department Head and had previously coached girls basketball. Her impact on students and her love for teaching was incredible. She continued outside the classroom cheering on the sports teams (often with her blue hair), attending each drama production and concert and chaperoning proms and formals. Her encouragement and mentoring will be missed.
For many summers Isabel taught swimming lessons and was a lifeguard at the Town of Hoosick Pool. When “retiring” from the pool, she purchased her getaway spot, “Camp Bella,” on Hedges Lake. There she spent quality time with friends and family. Travel was also a passion, and she could be found on whatever adventure came up – Italy, Spain, France, England, Scotland, Alaska, cruises and much more. The trip just had to be an idea and she was already signed up. She was a communicant of the Immaculate Conception Church.
Isabel is survived by her mother, Isabella, her sister, Karen Sprague and husband Richard, brothers Leo McGuire and wife Karen and Michael McGuire and wife Jan, all of Hoosick Falls. She is also survived by her much loving nephews and nieces, Keith Sprague and wife Jenn, Amy Raco and husband Matt, Kevin Sprague, Lisa McGuire, Brad McGuire and wife Becky, Jared McGuire, Tim McGuire and wife Ashley, Scott McGuire and Craig McGuire, as well as four great-nieces and great-nephews. In addition to her family, Isabel leaves her many friends, especially her “Campers” and her HFCS family of colleagues and students. We will miss her beautiful smile, honest friendship and her crazy sense of fun.
A Mass of Christian Burial was offered on Wednesday, March 19, at 10 am from the Immaculate Conception Church on Main Street in Hoosick Falls. Burial will be private.
Relatives and friends called at the Immaculate Conception Church on Tuesday, March 18, from 3 to 7 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the Isabel M. McGuire Scholarship Fund or the Karen McGovern Memorial Fund, through the Mahar Funeral Home, 43 Main Street in Hoosick Falls, NY, 12090, who are handling the arrangements.