Isabel M. Stockton

Isabel (Issy), a longtime Merced resident and business owner with her husband Jack Stockton, passed away peacefully with her family and caregivers at her side on August 18, 2023, at the age of 99.

Isabel, the second of three children, was born in Turlock, California to Benedict and Elsie Madrigal.  She graduated from Turlock High School in 1942.  During her high school years, Issy was an avid track athlete and involved in various school organizations. 

Issy was not one to sit idle.  During her younger years, she was a babysitter, made deliveries on her bike for Turlock Rexall Drug, worked as a roller-skating carhop at Turlock’s Big Orange on Hwy 99, the Turlock Fox Theater, and Hume Cannery in Turlock.  She moved on to Matheson Pharmacy as the cosmetic buyer and consultant and bookkeeper for Home Bakery in Turlock. 

In 1946 Issy met her future husband, Jack Stockton.  They married on June 20, 1948, in Carmel, California, embarking on a journey together that would see them as successful entrepreneurs with their well-respected businesses, including Jack’s Handy French Market.  All of their businesses were renowned for their integrity and quality.  Issy was the bookkeeper for all the businesses until she and Jack retired in 1981.

Issy was involved in her community.  She actively participated in various organizations, including the Emblem Club, Soroptimist Club, Mercy Hospital Volunteers, American Legion Auxiliary, Infant of Prague, and Merced High School Marching 100 Band Boosters.  Issy enjoyed being the majorette advisor for “The Seven Darlings” and helping run the OLM School concession stand alongside Jack. 

Issy was a devoted wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great-grandmother.  She was known for her cooking, hosting parties and barbeques, having a green thumb, being a successful and respected businesswoman, her impeccable style, her humor and wit, kindness, organization abilities, and tenacity.  She leaves behind so many wonderful memories.

Issy is survived by her daughters, Barbara Adams (Walt) of Merced and Teri Stockton of Richmond; granddaughters, Christen Adams (Oscar) of Chico and Katie Adams of Gualala; great-grandson, Isaac of Chico; sister, JoVita Richards of Empire; and numerous, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her husband Jack; her parents, Ben and Elsie Madrigal; her brother, Louis Madrigal.

A special thank you to Issy’s devoted caregivers, Olga Martinez, Sue Amparom, Crystal Martinez, Joyce Choyce, Dianna Dominquez, and Janice Humbert; Dr. William Entwistle; and Noble Hospice nurse Rhonda.

Public viewing will be held on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Ivers & Alcorn Funeral Home located at 901 W. Main Street, Merced.  Family and friends are welcome to attend a celebration of Issy’s life on Thursday, August 31, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Ivers & Alcorn Funeral Home, 901 W. Main Street, Merced.  The family invites you to join them for a luncheon following the services at Merced Golf & Country Club, 6333 Golf Road, Merced.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Issy’s name to: Mercy Medical Center Merced Foundation, 2740 M Street, Merced, California  95340; Noble Hospice and Palliative Care, 605 Standiford Ave. Suite-K, Modesto, California 95350; or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

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