Isabelle (Strattman) Aquilar

Isabelle (Strattman) Aquilar – 97, of Watertown and formerly a longtime resident of Woodbury passed away on Saturday January 2, 2021 surrounded by the love of her family at home.

Isabelle was born April 12, 1923, the daughter of the late Herman and Louise (DeVaux) Strattman. She grew up on her family’s farm in Woodbury and told stories of how they didn’t struggle as much as other families during the Great Depression because of how self-sufficient they were. Isabelle graduated from Woodbury High School in 1941 and then worked as a telephone operator at Woodbury Telephone until 1955.

Isabelle met the love of her life, William (Willie) Aquilar while he was a clerk at Canfields Corner. They were married in 1944 and together they opened Willies Snack Bar in 1950. Willie passed away in 1970 and when Isabelle closed Willies in 1973 the town threw her a party at the Curtis House. She then went to work at Burton Insurance Agency until her retirement in 1988.

Isabelle was actively involved in the Girl Scouts, starting as a scout in 1937 than as a leader until 1950. Isabelle was a lifelong member of North Congregational Church in Woodbury. She was involved with the Women’s Fellowship, the knitting group, the choir and she was well known for her apple crisp and blueberry pies at the church fairs. Isabelle also enjoyed bowling, playing set back and she loved music. Isabelle played the Hawaiian Steel Guitar since she was a young girl. She was also a Justice of the Peace, marrying quite a few couples from 1960-1975.

Isabelle was lucky enough to find love again with her “Gentleman friend” Ted Smith. Together they traveled cross country, camping in their RV, going from state to state on a grand adventure.

Isabelle is survived by her daughter, Gloria Faraci and son in law, Bill Faraci, who was more like a son to her, and her son, Daniel Aquilar and daughter in law, Marianne Aquilar, her grandchildren Jason Aquilar, Tricia Aquilar, Katie Lynn Williams, Michelle Faraci, Michael Aquilar, and great grandchildren, April, Justin, Jonathan, Daniel, Timothy, Carol Lynn, Sarah and James. Isabelle was predeceased by her husband William, her friend Ted and her sisters Edna Brady, and Viola Wolcott and brothers Howard, Royal and Woodrow Strattman..

Isabelle also had an exceptional extended family. She is survived by her step grandchildren Mary Frances Cyr, Margie Feest, Ed Santopietro, Nancy Aquilar, Milford Trethowan, Linda Trethowan, Billy Aquilar and Ed Winters. She was predeceased by her step children, Loretta Adams, William Aquilar, Mae Trethowan, and her step granddaughter Frances Winters. 

Isabelle’s family would like to thank Tender Heart Homecare and her caregivers, especially Brenda, for their compassionate care. The graveside service will be private, with a memorial service at later date.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to North Congregational Church of Woodbury, P.O. Box 473, Woodbury, CT. 06798. Munson Lovetere Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements. To leave an online condolence for the family please visit www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com

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