Isabelle Eva Hagar Kelsey, Izzy, Mom, Mammy, of Pittston, passed away on Feb. 11, 2026 at her home, at the age of 98, where it all began peacefully as she went to meet her adored husband.
She was born on Oct. 28, 1927 in Damariscotta to Harry E. Hagar and Edith Muriel Hagar. Isabelle graduated from Lincoln Academy and then went to Fisher Business School in Boston.
Isabelle married Kenneth E. Kelsey at midnight between their two birthdays on Oct. 27, 1948. Kenneth passed away on March 30, 2015. Isabelle and Kenneth moved to Pittston in January 1957, where they bought a poultry farm. She was a homemaker caring for her daughters as Kenneth worked at Togus. Together, after many years of hard work in the poultry business, they were able to live comfortably as they grew old together. They lived surrounded by all the love and laughter life could give.
Isabelle worked for various state agencies and served for 20 years at the VA Center in Togus. In her early years, she worked with the PTA. She enjoyed helping with the dances with Marsha Troop once a month at the Old Town Hall for the little ones. She also worked with the Gardiner preschool groups as a volunteer. She loved hosting her weekly Scrabble games with Sharon Chadbourne and Dona Smith, her long talks with Sharon Goggin, reminiscing about their time at Togus, and transcription stories.
She was a member of the Pittston Community Daughters and the Riverside Cemetery Association. In July 2023, she was presented with the Boston Post Cane.
Isabelle’s pure love and joy seeped into her lovely baked goods and family meals. A chaotic kitchen is where she shined the most. Her love language was cooking. A warm meal and the infamous Izzy hug would do wonders for the souls of many. She also enjoyed reading and tending to her luscious gardens with fresh vegetables and beautiful flowers that took your breath away. She loved a sunny summer ride to her beloved Damariscotta, ending the trip with ice cream from Round Top. She loved having her family’s little ones around. She also enjoyed golf, swimming, skiing, shopping, and attending church.
She was predeceased by her parents, Harry E. and Edith Muriel Hagar; and her siblings, Randall, Lucy, Burton, and Harry Jr.; and a grandson, Gary Lee Belanger Jr.
She is survived by her daughters, Brenda Griffin (Daniel), Darlene Parker, and Carolyn Belanger (Gary); grandchildren, Jennifer Bailey and Shawn Belanger (Veronica); great-grandchildren, Sierra Bailey (Kyle Farris), Dylan Bailey, Aurora Belanger, and Alexis Belanger; and several nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026 at 11 a.m. at the Riverside Cemetery, located on Arnold Road in Pittston.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Isabelle’s memory to First Congregational Church of Pittston, 21 Arnold Road, Pittston, ME 04345, and Andwell Health Partners (Hospice), 15 Strawberry Ave., Lewiston, ME 04240.
Arrangements and guidance are in the care of Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, ME 04345.
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website, staplesfuneralhome.com.
