Isabella's 1st Angelversary
On December 6, 2023, Isabella’s family and friends honored her first Angelversary during a candlelight vigil held at her grade school’s dedicated prayer garden.
Isabella’s mother also decorated Isabella’s memorial safety sign and a nearby utility pole to honor her daughter.
Vigil Readings
Introduction
We gather to remember Isabella Shinn. We come because we are thankful for her life and the impact she had on our lives. We are here to comfort one another in our grief. As we recollect Isabella’s life and cherish her memory. She has brought light to our lives; for we have seen in her friendship reflections of compassion, in her integrity demonstrations of goodness, in her faithfulness glimpses of eternal love.
Opening Prayer
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit Lord Jesus Christ, the Source of all Light, we call on your presence to be with us, to strengthen us, instruct us, inspire us and give us hope that Your light will never burn out as long as we love in faith without a shadow of doubt that darkness will never defeat us. We offer You our prayers and we ask all the saints in heaven to join their prayers with ours as we pray to you Lord for protection and strength.
Heavenly Father, embrace us and take away our fears. Give us hope and shelter us from fear, helplessness and loneliness. Nurture our hearts and spirits and we hunger to once again receive the Your most Holy and Blessed Sacrament. Comfort our hearts in knowing Your ever presence as we long for the companionship of our brothers and sisters. Unite us as one in Spirit in You and in Your love for each of us. Amen
Song: Irish Blessing
We are in the presence of God in our need and in our sorrow.
We are in the presence of God in thankfulness for the life we knew and shared.
We are in the presence of God seeking hope and courage for the future.
We are in the presence of God who has promised to be with us always, till the end of time.
Prayer and Presentation of Flowers
When we are weary and in need of strength. When we are lost and sick at heart,
We remember Isabella.
When we have a joy we crave to share. When we have decisions that are difficult to make. When we have achievements that are based on theirs,
We remember Isabella.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter. At the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring,
We remember Isabella.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of summer. At the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of autumn,
We remember Isabella.
At the rising of the sun and at its setting,
We remember Isabella.
As long as we live, they too will live; for she is part of us,
As we remember Isabella
We Remember
Song: “For Good”
Memories
At this time, if anyone would like to share a memory of Isabella, please come forward now.
Closing Prayer
We will never forget Isabella, and all she means to us. Let us end by joining together in praying the words that Jesus taught us: Our Father
Song: “Amazing Grace
My Hero, My Best Friend, My Daughter
A speech written by Isabella’s father, Jerry Shinn, read at the candlelight vigil.
On December 6, 2022 I had endure the worst say of my life. My beautiful daughter Isabella Maria Shinn passed away from being struck by a vehicle while coming home from work. There are no words that can express the sorrow, the suffering, the grief that my family and I have endured.
When Isabella was born and I saw her for the first time I was hooked! As soon as she heard my voice, she knew daddy had her. I used to talk to her even when my wife was still pregnant with her. Isabella grew to be a beautiful, intelligent, independent, quick witted (from me), caring, SMART MOUTH (Respectfully but also from me), and devoted person.
When my son was born, she was not too happy about sharing the attention from my wife and I but quickly grew to love her brother deeply. So much so we gave her the nickname Mother Hen. Her fiends also felt she was the mother of her friend group. Checking to make sure everyone did what they should.
Isabella achieved so much in a live cut way to short. Second degree black belt before she was eighteen, taught young children to swim, MULTIPLE scholarships to colleges and so much more.
Isabella and I would talk about just about everything. We would go fishing and laugh and talk about who was dating who, what happened when she went out with friends and yes, THE BOYFRIEND. She even joked about what if the zombies attacked ….” We have to watch out for Nico but mom is screwed once her hairdresser gets bit and AMAZON stops delivering. Good thing they has us to take care of them.”
Now I can only talk to her and imagine what she might say. My wife Donna did such an amazing job guiding Isabella into the loving and caring young woman she became. My son Nico and her where finally becoming friends rather than just siblings. I know we all feel her loss. I can only hope that one day we will all be together again. Until then we will keep Isabella alive in memory and love. Her Friend Paige recently posted “Tell your Friends, you love them”, Because you never know.
To explain how I feel now without her I have to tell you a little about me. My father died when I was six months old. My mother developed terminal brain cancer when I was five and passed away when I was thirteen. MY grandfather at fifteen and my grandmother when I was seventeen. I felt each loss but NOTHING even comes close to losing Isabella. I would give anything to have just one more hug.
I can go on and on but there is never enough time. Cherish every moment with loved ones because you never know when it could be the last time. Isabella had so many plans, so many dreams. Who knew so little time. I miss Isabella with my entire being. She truly was my best friend, my little girl, my hero.
The Beautiful Smiling Girl
A speech written by Isabella’s friend, Paige Ross, read at the candlelight vigil.
Isabella, or as I knew her as Izzy, was my best friend, my confidant; I miss her so much.
I first met Izzy during our freshman year at Archbishop Wood High School. I can remember the day so clearly. We were both attending our Freshman Year Formal. I was nervous and shy, but this beautiful smiling girl saw me, complimented my dress, and introduced herself to me. That was Izzy. She had made my night. After that point, I would see her in the hallways or at other school events, and we would always say hi or have some small talk. But it wasn’t until our junior year that our friendship blossomed. Fate brought us together in English class - sitting beside each other. I looked forward to each day, especially that class, to see Izzy - our friendship took off, and we soon became inseparable at school. One Monday night, my parents and I went to Bruster’s for ice cream, and who happened to be our server - Izzy. We soon learned that we lived so close to each other, which then led to many shared rides to and from school. Those car rides were filled with stories, laughs, and even tears. I miss those car rides and those special times with Izzy. We spent many weekends going back and forth between each other’s houses, to the mall, and hockey games. We shared the same taste in music, a devotion to pets, and love for our dogs. In high school, I really needed a good friend - someone who would lend me and ear and listen, and offer some guidance and encouragement. Izzy was that person - my friend. She was ambitious, friendly, social, and funny. Izzy was a special person. She was a beautiful person. She had a big heart and a kind soul. When I see an incredible sunset, I think of Izzy. When I see an amazing rainbow, I think of Izzy. When I see anything beautiful, I think of Izzy.
“Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, stil missed, and very dear.”
I miss you every day.