Our Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother passed away on February 24, 2019 from the sad, heartbreaking disease of Alzheimer's.
Isabel was born to Josefina Diaz and Candido Franco in Seville, Spain on August 30, 1934. She was the fourth of 5 children for the Diaz- Franco family and the only family member living in the United States.
Growing up in Spain, she loved time spent with her family, especially her mother whom she adored and learned how to cook the most wonderful Spanish dishes. As an extremely talented young lady, she attended fashion design school and became a successful dress designer in Seville.
Isabel came to the United States in 1955 and settled in St. Cloud, Minnesota. One of the proudest moments in her life was when she learned how to speak English and attained her U.S citizenship. She became a licensed Cosmetologist and at one time, owned 2 successful beauty salons in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
Isabel married Gerald E. Odegard in 1964 (deceased). She has three children, Carlotta Odegard (Dennis) Veasy-Henline, William Odegard, and Juan Carlos (Tammy) Odegard.
Isabel married Ernest D. Mariani on May 2, 1992 and the family was enriched by the addition of his children Dr. Marc (Michelle) Mariani, Leigh (Joel) VandenAkker and Lynne (Michael) Zimmerman (deceased). Ernest and Isabel Mariani have shared a beautiful life of 27 years.
Isabel loved working in their beautiful garden and keeping a beautiful immaculate home. Her greatest joy, however, was always the time spent with family, especially with her husband and her dog Lucy.
In accordance with Isabel's desires, a private family service at Larkin Mortuary will be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2019.
Our deep appreciation and thanks to Melanie Mahe, personal caregiver; Abbington Memory Care and to the Brighton Hospice nurses for the wonderful care and skilled service Isabel received at the end of her life.
In remembrance of Isabel D. Mariani, contributions may be sent to the Eleanore D. Mariani Scholarship Fund. Mail to the address of J.E. Cosgriff Memorial School, 2335 East Redondo Avenue, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108.
