Isabelle S. Schuessler of Rockville, Maryland, passed away at home on November 16, 2023.
Isabelle was born to Charles Amos and Justine (Crosser) Sweeny on May 12, 1934. She grew up in Washington, DC, Bethesda, Maryland, and Cleveland, Ohio, often alternating her home base between Bethesda and Cleveland in conjunction with her family’s support for the Congressional campaigns of her Grandfather, Robert Crosser. Following the death in 1938 of her mother, Justine, Isabelle’s and sister Nancy’s care was assumed by (Aunt) Barbara Crosser, beginning a life of mutual dedication and love within their extended family home on Edgemoor Lane in Bethesda. Isabelle’s life of caring for others began at home, with collective caregiving for her grandparents, while she participated in various activities at B-CC High School, including basketball and soccer.
After attending schools in both Cleveland and Bethesda, and graduating from B-CC in 1951, Isabelle began studies at George Washington University full-time for two years. In August 1953, she married Donald C. Schuessler, a marriage that lasted more than 69 years until Don’s passing in 2022. Following her marriage, she continued her education by taking one night class at a time, taking three buses to get to school and then three buses to get home, all while raising four children! She graduated from GW in 1962 with an AB in Elementary and Early Childhood Education, with a specialty in foreign language teaching, and embarked on a lifetime dedicated to education in so many ways.
Isabelle’s first teaching position began in 1962 at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Day School, in Washington, DC., where she taught Kindergarten for two years, and when the Kindergarten program was not continued, she moved to teach in the 4-year-old program for two years. After being named Assistant Director in 1965, she was elevated to Director in 1966, and led the ambitious expansion of the school, elevating a three-class preschool to a full early childhood and elementary program through 6th grade. This involved the planning, fundraising and construction of a beautiful new school building and property, ultimately expanding the footprint to include a new church. St. Patrick’s rapidly became widely regarded as a school community with an exceptional program of caring for all children and a dynamic and highly regarded curriculum, all led by a faculty that reflected Isabelle’s commitment to providing a wholistic approach to educating children in the broadest sense.
Isabelle’s second professional act was conceiving an entirely new school from the ground up ... Washington Episcopal School (WES), in Bethesda. Starting from scratch with the help of dedicated supporters, faculty, and family members, she planned, fundraised, and executed a long-term developmental plan for WES, combining the best of her experience with St. Patrick’s with her newest ideas and dreams. Culminating in a robust educational environment for preschool through 8th grade, she again assembled an exceptional faculty, supporting them in all their efforts. Upon her retirement, after leading WES from 1986 through 2001, she created the Isabelle S. Schuessler Fund for Faculty Excellence, reflecting her commitment to teaching and education.
Outside of her own school activities, Isabelle was committed to helping schools across the country. She was an evaluator and team leader for Middle School Association of Colleges and Schools, and served as Vice-President (1981-1984) and the first woman and first non-clergy President (1984-1986) of the Governing Board for the National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES). She guided the founding of St. Andrews Episcopal School in Potomac, as well as several other Episcopal schools in the region. In 2000, Isabelle received the John D. Verdery Award, “NAES’ highest honor to recognize and celebrate outstanding service to Episcopal Schools and NAES.” And, of course, Isabelle’s commitment to education within her family was legendary. In addition to supporting husband Don’s education at University of Maryland and his teaching in Montgomery County Schools, she passionately encouraged her children’s educations at all levels. Isabelle showed her love of learning by taking courses at University of Maryland, Clemson University, and Cleveland College.
As great as Isabelle’s commitment to education, her commitment to her family and community was even greater. Her children had at least one parent present at every one of their events and activities, including ballgames (where she often served as scorekeeper, and always as cheerleader!) and concerts. And, family camping trips were her specialty, preparing for excursions into the wild with meticulous lists and detailed maps, and during the adventures providing endless encouragement of fun. She even made a little time for herself, playing softball, volleyball, and duckpin bowling with the neighborhood moms, and organizing the neighborhood bridge club enjoyed by both Dad and her. Her range of talents knew no end, including sewing, cooking, gardening, organizing family reunions, and so much more. And St. James Episcopal Church was so important in her life. In addition to cherishing Sunday services, she loved her Board participation, Bible Studies, Rummage Sales and CraigsList efforts, music ministry, the Giant Food grocery card program, Shepherd’s Table, and so much more.
In the end, Isabelle’s family was her greatest treasure. She constantly referred to all of us as her “precious family”, and we knew she meant it. Isabelle is survived by her four children, Donald, Jr. (Glenda) of Gouverneur, NY; Janet McUlsky (Alexander) of Bethesda, MD; Douglas (Andrea) of Rockville, MD; and David (Petie) of Rockville, MD; 11 grandchildren (Elizabeth, Donald, III (Devin), Katherine, Joseph, Douglas (Maxine), Mark (Catherine), Andrew, James, and Samuel Schuessler; Anastasia and Elizaveta McUlsky); four great-grandchildren (Micah, Alaina, Isaiah, Sophia); brother-in-law Charles Marshall; nephews James, Jonathan (Nancy), and Robert (Jane) Schuessler; Charles (Caroline) Marshall; and nieces Susan Harless, Sandra (Timothy) Boone, and Robin (Dennis) Lambert.
Isabelle is preceded in death by her husband Donald, parents Charles Amos and Justine, her mother Barbara; her sister Nancy Jean Marshall, her nephew Bruce Schuessler and his wife Kathy, and her nephew James’ wife, Susan.
In honor of Isabelle, a memorial contribution may be made to one of the causes dear to her heart (see below). St. James’ Episcopal Church, Schuessler Garden Fund, 11815 Seven Locks Rd., Potomac, MD 20854. Online gifts may be made at stjamespotomac.org. Washington Episcopal School, Isabelle S. Schuessler Fund for Faculty Excellence, 5600 Little Falls Parkway, Bethesda, MD 20816.