Isabelle Smith Lamb, age 94, passed away in her beloved Arizona home on Nov. 4, 2017, surrounded by family whom will miss her dearly.
In her accomplished life, she impacted her communities greatly. She was especially dedicated to education, opportunities for youth and the vitality of business. Her work took her all over the world where she cultivated countless friendships and business relationships.
A proud Canadian by birth, Isabelle was born on Dec. 14, 1922, on the family farm in Quebec where she was raised by grandparents. She attended Gowling Business College and Carlton University. Her education led her to a career at International Paper in Gatineau, Quebec, where she eventually met George E. Lamb. Their whirlwind romance led Isabelle to uproot her life in Canada for the timberlands of Washington State. After she and George married in 1948, George described the first time he met Isabelle. “She stood up from her desk and just kept rising.” Isabelle was tall and majestic persona.
She moved to Hoquiam, Wash. where she and George lived with his parents, Frank H. Lamb and Alice Emerson Lamb, in the family home, Westland. Together she and George led Enterprises International, Inc. and its subsidiaries; traveling the world together doing business. In 1958, Isabelle had her first and only child, David Emerson Lamb. She became President of Enterprises International, Inc. in 1984. After a long and happy life together, George passed away in 1986.
Aside from her dedication to business, Isabelle served on countless boards including U.S. Bank of Washington, The Evergreen State College Foundation, Grays Harbor College, Grays Harbor Community Foundation and Bishop Foundation. She dedicated her life to her community through philanthropy and public service. She was elected as a Grays Harbor County’s first woman Port Commissioner in 1994, serving until 2004. Often, she was the first or only woman in her endeavors and was a role model and mentor to many.
After a long life, many close friends and family preceded her in death including her siblings, Roberta Laughren, Ebert Smith and Jean McMillan; also Frank H. Lamb and Ruth Schmidt, George’s children.
Isabelle is survived by her son, David Lamb, former daughter-in-law, Linda Lamb and their two children, Emerson Lamb and Alexandra Lamb. Surviving also are her older sister, Elma Balharrie, numerous nieces, nephews and extended family in Canada; George’s daughter, Marilyn Hart of Hoquiam and countless friends that have become family.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Isabelle’s favorite causes listed here or the charity of your choice. Grays Harbor Community Foundation, P.O. Box 615, Hoquiam, WA 98550 (360) 532-1600, www.gh.org/online-donation/; or The Evergreen State College Foundation, 2700 Evergreen Parkway NW, Olympia, WA 98505 (360) 867-6300, www.evergreen.edu.give.
A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, at the Rotary Log Pavilion. A private urn committal will be at Sunset Memorial Park where she will join her beloved, George.
Direction is by the Coleman Mortuary in Hoquiam.
Please record your thoughts for the family by signing the on-line register at www.colemanmortuary.net.
