Isabelle L. Cerra

Isabelle L. Cerra, 87, Carbondale, died peacefully Friday surrounded by her family. Her husband,

Bernard Ben Cerra, preceded her in death, Jan. 6, 2011.

Born in Carbondale, September 28, 1938, daughter of the late Carlo and Rose Andidora Scotch, she lived there most of her life. She graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School in 1956 and married the love of her life on June 8, 1957. Together, they were blessed with four children, seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Izzy, as she preferred to be called, was a simple woman who lived a simple life. She didn't need much, nor did she want much. She was kind, loving, generous and humble and she never had a bad word to say about anybody. An exceptional cook, she was content simply to be at home with her family and cook her fabulous meals. A woman of great faith, Izzy loved her God and her religion above all else. She was a devout Catholic, church-goer and a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel choir for many years. She worked as a cafeteria aide at Carbondale Area High School for many years.

For most of her married life, she took care of her husband, tirelessly, devoutly and meticu- lously for 40 plus years. She never once complained and had no regrets. After his passing, she could be heard saying, 'I would do it all over again'. She missed him dearly. Her family was her world. She lived for her husband, children and grandchildren; loved them deeply and was always there for them, always. Although we mourn her loss, we take comfort in knowing that she is forever at rest and peace in the loving arms of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

She is survived by: her four children, Carla; Lisa; Brian and wife Deana; Jeffrey and his wife, Nancy; her grandchildren, Jacqueline and husband, Jonathan; Zachary; Samantha; Dylan and wife, Mindy; Loni and husband, Sean; Gina; Bailey; her great grandchildren, Olivia; Cooper; Collins; Adrian; Dylan Jr.; Brooks; Blaine; brothers, Carlo and Joe Scotch; son-in-law, Ron; numerous nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be Thursday from Lawrence A. Gabriel Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 2 Hospital St., Carbondale with Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 15 Fallbrook St., Carbondale with Rev. Joseph Mosley, Pastor, of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, officiating. Interment, Our Mother of Sorrows Cemetery, Greenfield Twp.

Friends and family may call on Thursday at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m until 11 a.m. Online condolences may be sent to the funeral home website.