As a young woman, Isabel was selling tickets at a function, when she saw a handsome young man named Carl Hugh Sharp. He was so intrigued by her beauty and poise that he bought every one of her tickets so she could quit working and visit with him. Dating ensued, and on April 4, 1938, in Trinidad, Isabel Riberio became Mrs. Carl Sharp. True love found a home in their hearts. Together, Isabel and Carl worked side by side in their oil tool business. Their union was blessed with four children, Dennis, Joan, Randolph and Phillip. Being a good mother came easy to Isabel and it followed through to her grandchildren. She always had time for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and still found time to be an elegant, classy woman.

In 1944, the family moved to Southern California, living in Downey, Paramount, Bellflower and the surrounding communities. An active member of Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church in Paramount, Isabel was as dedicated to her God and her faith as she was her family. She loved to sing and play the piano and banjo.

Isabel's beloved husband, Carl, passed away in November 1967 after a wonderful 29 years as a loving couple and parents. Isabel remained a kind, loving and deeply faithful lady and her family was the most important thing in her life. Her heart nearly broke in 1990 when her oldest son, Dennis, joined his father in heaven.

For many years, Isabel drove a big white Cadillac and residents of the community will always remember seeing a white Cadillac with a classy lady in the driver's seat and her big, white standard poodle in the back seat.

Around Thanksgiving in 1998 or 1999, Isabel's health began to fail. She suffered the first of several strokes that caused her to slow down, but her independence was always a very strong part of her personality. To the very end, she fought to remain independent. She always found good in others and saw value and worth in everyone who crossed her path.

Isabel's smile was so powerful and could uplift even the saddest person because she exuded such a genuine kindness. Christmas was present in her heart 365 days a year. She loved Christmas and all that it meant, both from a spiritual and a joyous point of view.

Isabel did not have to say "I love you" because her actions, her touch, the way she looked at you and her smile said it so gracefully. As her health failed, Isabel's strength weakened and finally, she was unable to care for herself. Her daughter, Joan, grandchildren Billie Jo, Arthur and Racine and caregiver, Jane were constantly by her side, waiting to do for her what she could no longer do for herself. Her loving family surrounded her in her last days and maintained a vigil of love, devotion and dedication. On June 8, 2004, Isabel fell asleep in Bellflower, California and woke up safely in the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ. She was re-united with her beloved Carl and Dennis and the other family members and friends that went on before. Left here to cherish her memory and to celebrate the legacy of love, elegance, dedication and faith that Isabel Kathleen Sharp left them, are her loving children, Joan, Randolph and Phillip; her 20 devoted grandchildren; her precious 29 1/2 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren; and her beloved sister, Matil Fraser. She also leaves many dear friends who will join the family in missing her deeply.

On Monday, June 14, 2004, at 9:00 AM, the family and friends will gather at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church to celebrate her life through prayer and devotion in a Mass of Christian Burial. She will be laid to rest in All Souls Catholic Cemetery, Long Beach, CA following the mass.

If tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see,
if the sun should rise and find your eyes
all filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today,
while thinking of the many things we didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me, as much as I love you,
and each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me, too.
But if tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand
than an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand.
He said my place was ready, in Heaven, far above,
and that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye
for all my life, I'd always thought, I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for, so much left to do.
It seemed almost impossible, that I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared, and all the fun we had.

If I could relive yesterday, just even for a while,
I'd say good-bye and kiss you, and maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized, that this could never be,
For emptiness and memories would take the place of me.

And when I thought of worldly things
I might miss, come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did, my heart was full of sorrow.
But when I walked through heaven's gates,
I felt so much at home
when God looked down and smiled at me,
from His golden throne.

He said, "This is eternity, and all I've promised you.
Today your life on earth is past, but here life starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last,
and since each day's the same, there's no longing for the past.
You have been so faithful, so trusting and so true.
Though there were times you did some things,
you knew you shouldn't do.
But you have been forgiven and now, at last you're free.
So, won't you come and take my hand,
and share my life with me?"

So, if tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart.
For, every time you think of me, I'm right here, in your heart.

"The Watcher"

She always leaned to watch for us, Anxious if we were late.
In winter by the window, In summer by the gate.
And though we mocked her tenderly, Who had such foolish care,
The long way home would seem more safe,
Because she waited there.
Her thoughts were all so full of us, She never could forget,
And so I think that where she is, She must be watching yet.
Waiting till we come home to here, Anxious if we are late - -
Watching from heaven's window, Leaning from heaven's gate.