Isabelle McVaugh

January 24, 2015

Isabelle Ewing McVaugh, 90, of Medford Leas, beloved wife and mother, and co-founder of Arizona School Choice Trust, died on January 24, 2015. Isabelle was born in Abington, Pa., on December 28, 1924, and was the older sibling to three brothers. She attended George School, where she met her future husband, John "Jack" Eastburn McVaugh, Jr. After attending Wellesley College, she returned home to marry her high school sweetheart in 1945. The couple settled in Riverton, NJ, where they raised three children and hosted many exchange students. Isabelle was very active in the local Quaker community including Westfield Friends Meeting. She was a dedicated wife and helped Jack with many projects. After residing in Arizona following Jack's retirement, the couple worked tirelessly to establish Arizona School Choice Trust, one of the first nonprofit groups to use donations and tax credits to provide education scholarships for low-income children to attend the school of their choice. Isabelle was also a dedicated summer resident of Barnegat Light, NJ, where she and her husband had a home for many years. Their happy marriage lasted 63 years until Jack’s death in 2009. Isabelle is survived by her brother, John Ewing of Burlington, Vt.; two children, Mary (Don) Shannon of Chicora, Pa., and Jay McVaugh of Sedona, Az.; three grandchildren, one great-grandson, and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband, her daughter Sally MacEwen of Atlanta, Ga., and her granddaughter Katie Shannon of Chicora, Pa. A memorial service is planned for March at a date and time to be determined; please visit the Lewis Funeral Home website for updates. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Arizona School Choice Trust through their website, asct.org, or by mail to 2875 West Ray Rd Suite 6-314 Chandler, Arizona, 85224