2000 National Memorial (Silver) Cross Mother – Carol Isfeld

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National Memorial (Silver) Cross Mother Carol Isfeld.
(Photo: courtesy of Leigh Isfeld)

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(Photo: courtesy of Leigh Isfeld)

Mrs. Carol Isfeld of Courtenay, British Columbia, was selected the 2000 National Memorial (Silver) Cross Mother and was the second mother of a slain peacekeeper to have been bestowed the title. During the national Remembrance Day ceremony in Ottawa on November 11, 2000, she laid a wreath at the base of the National War Memorial on behalf of all mothers who have lost a child in military service to Canada.

On June 21, 1994, her son, Master Corporal Mark Robert Isfeld, was killed as a result of injuries sustained from a mine explosion in Kakma, Croatia. He was serving there on peacekeeping duties with the 1^st Combat Engineer Regiment.

Mrs. Isfeld, née Donaldson, was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and grew up in Brownsburg, Quebec, near Lachute. She married Brian Isfeld, also a native of Winnipeg. Together, they raised three boys, Mark, Leigh and Glenn while Mr. Isfeld pursued a career in the Air Force.

While her son was serving in Croatia, Mrs. Isfeld sent him dolls which she made from scraps of wool. Known as the "Izzy", these dolls were eagerly received from the popular soldier well known in Croatia for his genuine interest in the local children.

Upon her husband’s retirement as an air observer, the couple moved to Courtenay, British Columbia.

Mrs. Isfeld was awarded the Canadian Memorial (Silver) Cross in recognition of her son’s sacrifice. She was the second mother of a slain peacekeeper to have been selected as the National Silver Cross Mother for the National Remembrance Day Service in Ottawa, Ontario. She was accompanied on her trip to Ottawa by her husband Brian.

Mrs. Isfeld was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and grew up in Brownsburg, Quebec, near Lachute. She met her husband, also a native of Winnipeg, in Winnipeg, and followed him as he pursued his career in the Air Force. When he retired as an air observer, they moved to Courtenay, British Columbia.

List of National Memorial (Silver) Cross Mothers

(Information courtesy of the Royal Canadian Legion, Canadian War Museum and families of the National Memorial (Silver) Cross Mothers)