DURHAM -Isabel MacNair Whitcomb, 18, passed away on October 2, 2016, following a courageous battle with severe depression.
Isabel was born on March 30, 1998, in Boston, Massachusetts. She is the daughter of Susan Carroll Whitcomb and the late Giles M. Whitcomb. She attended the Cambridge Ellis Preschool and Peabody Elementary School in Cambridge before moving to Durham in 2004, where she attended Hope Valley Elementary School, Githens Middle School and Jordan High School. In August, she joined the freshman class of her “dream school” at High Point University. One of triplet sisters, Isabel loved animals, decorating her room, fashion, France, outrageous ideas and writing. As a result of her illness, she became passionate about addressing the stigma of mental il
lness, writing a blog (grantmetheserenity98.blogspot.com) and a book in May 2016 describing her struggles with anorexia and depression. Stay Strong was her mantra. Her goal was to become a motivational speaker.
In addition to her mother, Isabel is survived by her brother, Philip Whitcomb, sisters, Genevieve Whitcomb and Annie Whitcomb, all of Durham; grandparents, Jack and Anne Carroll of Durham; aunt, Gillian Whitcomb of Paris, France, aunt and uncle, Fran and Paul Strumph of Moneta, Virginia; and many much loved cousins in the United States and France.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 8th at 11 am at Duke Memorial United Methodist Church in Durham. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the To Write Love On Her Arms foundation www. twloha.com/donate/ or to the Center for Excellence for Eating Disorders at UNC Hospital www.med.unc.edu/psych/eatingdisorders.
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference.
The Whitcomb family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. Online condolences: www.hallwynne.com, select obituaries.
Crystal
Your daughter was a great support to my daughter as a new student at Githens and to the area. May her soul rest on the wings of the angels in your time of sorrow.
Tanner Gamble
Heartfelt sympathies to this wonderful family! My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Anonymous
I met Isabel during a hospital stay last year. I didn’t get to know her very well but she seemed like a sweet girl. I’m so sorry to hear she’s passed away. Your family is in my thoughts. I wish you all well.
Judy and Steve Thomson
Dear Susan, Phillip, Genevieve and Annie, and the rest of the Whitcomb and Carroll families, We are so saddened to hear of the passing of Isabel. She was a valued member of thomsonranch during her time with us as a chicken helper. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May she rest in peace.
Robert & Nicolle Mercer
We haven’t met your family personally, but live in the same community and have many of the same family friends. Our prayers go to you as you grieve your beautiful daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin and friend.
May God give you the strength to carry on into the next hour.
Pam Wright-Genivieve's 1st grade teacher
I am so sorry for your loss of this beautiful young woman. These girls really brought love into my life and classroom at Hope Valley Elementary and I will forever remember Isabel as the little triplet who walked on her tiptoes. My heart is with you and your family.
Sharon Griffith
To the Whitcomb Family,
My Deepest sympathies on the loss of Isabel. I will remember her gorgeous smile, beautiful soul, and her tippy toes walking the halls of Githens. Heaven has a new angel, and may you be comforted in the memories she leaves behind.
Betsy Collie
Dear Whitcomb family,
I am overcome with grief and sadness for the loss of your Isabel. My sons Sam and Lucas knew her well and they are stricken by this too. Even though they will not be able to come to the funeral we all send our condolences and will lift up prayers for you and the rest of the family. I just pray for peace and understanding through this deeply sad tragedy.
Pam Dardess
Dear Susan, Genevieve, and Annie-
I didn’t know Isabel, but Genevieve and Annie have babysat for my girls (who love them). The last time Annie was here was right around the time Isabel left for college, and I remember talking with Annie about what each of them would be doing this year. I am so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you all in this difficult time, and my family will keep your family in our thoughts.
Pam Dardess
Mrs. Lesleigh Mausi, M.Ed.
My prayers and heartfelt condolences go out to the entire Whitcomb family. May God bless and keep you all as you honor and remember young Isabel, and the impact she made on this world.
Erica Zenn
Isabel was such a compassionate and bright person. I am so sorry for your loss, and will be thinking of your family constantly these next few months.
The Sipe family
Susan, Philip, Genevieve and Annie, We are deeply saddened to hear of Isabel’s passing. I have fond memories of your girls helping when we needed dog or babysitting and trapsing back and forth to the Raburn’s. Isabel fought strong and hard and her legacy will live forever in her written words and the love and memories you all have. Gods peace, comfort and strength to you all as you get through each of the coming minutes, hours and days. Our sincere and deepest sympathies
DW
I’m so very sorry to learn of Isabel’s passing; I can’t imagine the pain she was suffering. And, now the pain you all are enduring. I hope the prayers and thoughts of those who feel connected somehow provide you comfort during this extremely difficult time.
Please be kind and gentle with yourselves and reach out for help if you find that your grief is paralyzing you.
Destiny Miller
I had the pleasure of being Isabel’s teacher in 3rd grade. She was beautiful inside and out. I enjoyed every minute I spent with her. I am so grateful for that year and that opportunity. I have reflected and thought about numerous memories of her today and each one has made me smile. May she rest easy now. My thoughts and prayers are with her loving and supportive family.
Caroline, Gorav, Jeevun, and Pyar Sangal
Isabel’s smile could brighten anyone’s day as it often did ours each time we saw her. We have loved seeing your family grow up over the years. We are saddened by the loss and are praying for your family.
Shelton Walker
I’m truly and deeply sorry to hear about what happened to your daughter. I was a student with her in middle school actually and though I moved from North Carolina and hadn’t been in contact with her since those years I still remember how friendly she was, she always seemed to have a smile on her face and very rarely did I see her upset. She was smart and gifted and when I saw on Facebook how she had written a book and published it, I knew she was destined to do great things. It hurt me very deeply to come on Facebook and see that a long time acquaintance had passed away. If there is anything I could do and I mean anything please, please, please from the bottom of my heart let me do it.
Susan
May she rest in Paradise. Isabel was an amazing student and friend to get to know. Growing up with her and knowing her was a gift. Praying for you and your family.
Kae cozart
I am so sorry for your loss
Lisa (Immel) Notte
My deepest sympathies go out to the Whitcomb family! My heart broke when I saw Isabel’s obituary tonight! I remember Isabel and her sisters well from my teaching days at Hope Valley Elementary! Isabel always had a smile on her face as she walked down the hall on her tippy toes. As someone who formerly struggled with depression and an eating disorder, her blog posts moved me. I’ve also thought of your family many times over the past three years, because we now have triplet girls (and an older big sister). Please know that we are praying hard for your family! May you find comfort in the the many memories you have of her, and the legacy she leaves behind!
Alan Slavin
I am so sorry for this loss to your wonderful family! My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Loretta Dines
Susan,Philip,Gen,Annie and extended family,
Words can not express how sorry I am. Know that you all are in my thought and Prayers at this most sorrowful time.
My memories of Isabel are many as I remember back taking care of her as a baby,toddler then watching her grow its a little girl until the family moved to N.C.
From afar I watch her grow into a beautiful young lady with a amazing smile.
RIP “Izzy” I will never forget you.
The world has lost a shining star!
Peace to all who knew and loved her.
Anon
I went to high school with Isabel. We never talked much, but she inspired me every day with her blog. I have been struggling with an eating disorder for six years. Isabel made me feel like I was not alone, but more importantly, she gave me hope. My thoughts are with your family and friends. I’m deeply sorry for your loss.
Megan
I met Isabel last summer while we were both at UNC hospital. She was such a sweet person. I admired her strength throughout her tough battle and the courage she had to share her story with the world. She will be greatly missed. My thought and prayers go out to the family.
Amy Glass
No words suffice to express how very sorry I was to hear of Isabel’s passing. As many here have said, I too remember bright Isabel walking on tip toes among the company of her friends at Hope Valley Elementary. Peter, Allana, Rachel and I all send our deepest condolences to you and your entire family on the loss of your daughter, sister, and friend. Sending love, light, and healing during this most difficult time.
Adrienne Haith
I did not have the opportunity to teach your children at Githens, but I do remember them and their smiles through the hall. My prayers are with you and your family during this extremely difficult time.
Rob Patterson
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I knew all of your wonderful daughters. I enjoyed being their art teacher at Jordan. Words can’t express my sympathy for you.
Leslie
I did not know your daughter though we always seemed to be behind you in the carpool line at Githens. I so appreciate your honesty regarding your daughter’s struggles. That is how we help break the stigma and help others in the future. Our family has been changed by the struggles of ED and its related illnesses. I know she must have been an amazing and brave girl. My condolences.
Laurie and Derek Leadbetter
Susan, Philip, Genevieve, and Annie,
We are all so sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you all and wishing you peace and comfort.
Annonymous
I do not know Isabel or your family but I have a daughter who struggles with depression and eating disorders. I am heartbroken for you and will keep you and your beautiful daughter in my thoughts and prayers
Robert Tolbert
There are no adequate words. My heart and thoughts are with your family. Please know that I am blessed to have known your child and your family. I will do my best to honor her through the work we all do.
The Elkin Family
Susan, Philip, Genevieve, Annie, and your whole family. Our hearts and prayers go out to you all. We are so very sorry for the loss of Isabel. We have many fond memories of her growing up in our neighborhood. She always had the biggest smile and always polite. I remember many times that she and you sisters would come to our door selling girl scout cookies, or seeing her at events at the club house. or hanging out with our daughter, who was fortunate enough to become closer to her in middle school for that short while. Isabel you are and will always be someone who motivated many with your blog and sharing the truth about your health struggles. This time on this earth you made an impact to many. Our arms go around your family, at this most difficult time.
Robert K. McClure, M.D.
I want to extend my condolences to Isabel’s mother Susan, her brother Philip, her sisters Genevieve and Annie as well as to her grandparents, uncles and aunts. Your family has made an incredible effort to help Isabel fight this severe condition. I am so very sorry for your great loss,
Best,
Rob McClure
Robin Norris
I am so sorry to hear about Isabel. She fought long and hard and you were all with her every step of the way. My heart breaks for all of you. Fran is like the sister I never had so, I consider you my extended family. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Peace be with you.
Ms. Rice
May God bless and keep you all during this most sorrowful time.
Scott R. Mathews
What a brave family you all are !
May God’s Peace rest upon each one of you and sustain you.
Isabel lives on in your hearts and that will not change.
Scott R. Mathews
Norma Van Vleet-Matthews
Dear Anne & family:
There are no words to convey my deep sympathy for you & your family and the pain you are suffering. Thank God for the faith that will help you through these awful days.
Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Norma Van Vleet- Matthews
Kathy A. Saleeba
We want to send our condolences for your loss. She was a beautiful girl and sure to be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Kimberley Homer
To Isabel’s family and friends: my uncle in Durham, who works with NAMI, told me of your loss. I have an 18 year old daughter at CEED now who is coping with the pain of life in similar ways, and she has asked me not to grieve for her if she succeeds in fading away forever, because the pain will finally be gone. I try to understand how caring so much can be too excruciating to bear, but I just can’t. I loved what Isabel wrote and I love her brilliance and bravery and beauty even though I never met her. I am so very sorry.
Gloria
I am so sorry for the loss of this young woman and many others. I cannot imagine the sadness , grief and helplessness she must have felt. Stay strong as she would say.
Sharon Thompson
Thank you for the wonderful video spanning the life of sweet Isabel. I only met her once when she was 2 years old. We were in Buffalo for the memorial of my mother, her Aunt Fiddle. It was so special to see your family and be with you in that wonderful place. I have been profoundly saddened by Isabel’s passing, and deeply touched by her blog. She was a special person.
All of my love to you all.
francinia jackson
I want to express my genuine condolences to ISABEL MACNAIR WHITCOMB FAMILY. reading about ISABEL has touch our hearts. Yes, the death of a loved one can cause much distress and sorrow. But what a blessed gift God has given us memory! you still have many happy memories of times shared together. Keeping a journal looking through photos, and accepting help are ways to cope. Keep in mind God still fulfills this heartwarming promise:
“As a mother comforts her son so I will keep comforting you.” Isaiah 66:13 (King James Isaiah 66:13 “As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you;” Please turn to “the God of all comfort. “
Please accept my personal condolences at this most difficult time.
Dory Yu
To the Whitcomb family,
I am sorry for your loss.
Dory Yu
Margaret Laster Cuthbertson
Dear Whitcomb Family,
It is with a heavy heart that I write this note. Isabelle was a special young lady. I remember in 2nd grade she was very fond of the art and quite talented. I pray for you all.
Karen Heitzenrater
We are sincerely sorry to hear that you have lost your granddaughter isabel. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Richard and Karen Heitzenrater
Fred Merriman
While Isabel’s sad passing leaves a painful family gap, comfort may be taken from the knowledge that her spirit and values will live on for many as a result of her literary gifts. Isabel’s writings not only highlight an understanding beyond her years of an illness often underestimated in its effects, they are also a testament to her selfless mission to “make a difference” by helping others acquire relevant coping skills. As part of this aim, Isabel was enthusiastic to serve as “motivational speaker”, a role which her published book, “Stay Strong”, now carries forward.
May Isabel rest in peace.
Connie McNeill
We were so terribly sorry to hear about your tragic loss of your beautiful and courageous girl. She was named after a terrific woman, and I feel sure she would have grown into another terrific holder of that name if she had been able to overcome this terrible disease.
Our hearts are with you.
Barry and Connie McNeill