Isabel Sanchez Arnold

12/20/1924 — 05/26/2008

From Richland, WA, US | Born in Pittsburg, California

Isabel Sanchez Arnold

Isabel S. Arnold passed away Monday morning May 26, 2008 to be in a better place. She died in a fire at her home in Richland. Isabel was born in 1924 in Pittsburg, CA, the daughter of Pedro and Isabel Lopez, who immigrated from Malaga, Spain. Having settled in Pittsburg, her father ran a neighborhood grocery store, and she grew up near the waterfront watching the ships in the harbor, going to school, but dropped out and went to work in the steel mill just before WWII. During the war she was offered many private workplace opportunities because of being bi-lingual, but she stayed at the steel mill, as she was very proud of helping America to win the war. At the close of the war she married a navy sailor, Veleon Arnold, and in 1952 moved to Benton City so Veleon could begin work at Hanford. In 1953 they moved to Richland where Isabel would spend the remainder of her life, raising their four children, growing flowers, drawing in paint and pencil, sewing, loving music, old movies, and cherishing her family, lifelong friends and helping to care for everyone she could along the way.

In her life she faced many hardships, the Great depression, World War II, her personal battle with the disease of Guillain Barre', a rare form of French polio, the death of her husband in 1995 and a daughter in 2001. Yet she never lost her gift of giving, caring, and helping others. She loved being there for her grand children, and her home was always open and one of love, hope and kindness for any weary soul in need.

Isabel was preceded in death by her parents, Pedro and Isabel Lopez, her husband, Veleon Arnold, her daughter Bonnie McDonald. She is survived by her brother Michael and wife Lola Lopez Brentwood, Ca., and sister Mary Martinez Ca. Three children, Leonard Arnold Kennewick, Nancy Purdy Richland, and Roberto Arnold Richland. Grandchildren: Leslie McDonaldWest Richland, Eric McDonald West Richland, Lisa BrewerKennewick, Craig YeagleyKennewick, Nikki MorganKennewick, Clint Purdy-Cordova Richland, Alicia Arnold Kennewick, and Erin Arnold Kennewick. Great Grandchildren Tiffany WebbIraq, Johnathan Buchter Richland, Eva Apgar W. Richland.

There will be a graveside service 5:00 pm Friday, May 30th at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Richland. Donations from those who wish are requested to be made to the Richland Paramedics and Firefighters.

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Isabel Sanchez Arnold

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  • Rob, we were saddened to hear about your Mother. You and your family have been in our thoughts all week. If there is anything we can do, please let us know. We are very sorry. Take care of yourself.

    Jake & Robin King

    Robin King
    November 4, 2014
    Kennewick, WA, US
  • Dear Rob and Family:

    Please know that our hearts go out to all of you.

    Although I really didn’t know your dear mother, Isabel, very well, I feel that I’ve known her for a long time, as my sister, Lorgene Christy, absolutely adored her and spoke fondly of her so often.

    I had the privilege of being with Isabel a few times and understand why she is dearly loved and missed.

    May you find peace and comfort in all of your wonderful memories of your times with her.

    God Bless You, Patti & Del Bruggeman

    Patti & Del Bruggeman
    November 4, 2014
    Richland, WA, US
  • Rob – I was saddened to read about your mother’s death. You and the girls have been in my thoughts a lot this week. Amita and I will plan to attend the burial on Friday. We pray that you all stay strong to be able to do what’s necessary to recover from this trauma.

    Please let me know if there’s anything we can help out with. You’ve been a kind and good friend of my family and we wish you peace. The universe will return the kindness you’ve shown to others… of this I’m sure.

    Robbie Biyani

    Biyani family
    November 4, 2014
    Kennewick, WA, US
  • We were saddened to hear of your Mother’s tragic passing. May God comfort you & your family in this time of sorrow.

    Joan, David & Family

    Joan & David Nelson
    November 4, 2014
    Richland, WA, US
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