Isabella M. LoRe

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Isabella M. LoRé (née Martin), age 96, of Pompton Lakes, who passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, surrounded by the love and care of her family.

Born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, Isabella was one of two children of Hugh and Dorothea Martin. Tragically, she lost her mother at the tender age of two. Her father later remarried, and together with his second wife, the family grew to include two more children. They remained in Boston until Isabella was about fifteen, after which they relocated to Dedham, MA. While attending Brighton High School, Isabella formed a close lifelong friendship with her best friend, June. The two shared many joyful moments, attending school dances and local events, navigating their youth during the challenging yet defining years of World War II.

A proud member of the Greatest Generation, Isabella graduated with honors from Brighton High School in 1947. She soon began her career as an accounting clerk at Sears & Roebuck in Boston and later worked at R.H. Stearns Department Store, where she thrived as an assistant buyer, model, and salesperson. After four years, Isabella left her job to embark on an exciting journey through Europe with three close friends.

The trip proved life-changing. While boarding the SS Constitution en route to England—just in time to witness Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation—she caught the eye of 3rd Mate Anthony LoRé. He famously told his shipmates, “I’m going to marry that girl.” True to his word, the two began dating upon Isabella’s return to the U.S., and their romance blossomed. On December 4, 1954, they were married in Brooklyn, surrounded by loved ones.

The couple made their home in Brooklyn, NY, where they welcomed their first three children: Louis, Carolina, and Peter. Later, the growing family moved to Clifton, NJ, where their youngest daughter, Lisa, was born. Isabella dedicated herself wholeheartedly to raising her children, embracing her role as a full-time homemaker with devotion and joy. In 1984, Isabella and Anthony moved to Brick Township, NJ, and after more than two decades there, they settled in Pompton Lakes, where Isabella spent her later years.

Isabella had a passion for reading—especially mystery novels—and counted Alexander McCall Smith among her favorite authors. She was a talented knitter and lovingly created knit blankets for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Known for her culinary talents, she was especially admired for her creampuffs, pound cakes, and artichokes.

She loved to travel, often accompanying her beloved husband Anthony, who rose through the ranks to become a ship captain. Together, they explored the world, from a memorable nine-week trip to Australia and New Zealand to her final voyage across the Atlantic aboard the Queen Mary II with her sister Nancy, revisiting their family roots in Scotland.

Isabella’s greatest joy in life was her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and nothing brought her more happiness than spending time with those she loved. She and Anthony shared 52 beautiful years of marriage before his passing in 2005.

Isabella will be remembered for her strength, intelligence, and unwavering love for her family. She touched countless lives with her warmth and generosity, and her memory will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Isabella is survived by her children; Carolina Brown and her husband Christopher of Ringwood, NJ, Peter LoRé of Pennsylvania, and Lisa Fierro and her husband Michael of Hewitt, NJ,  her sisters; Nancy Martin-Li and her husband Litian of New York City, and Carol Martin of Massachusetts, seven grandchildren; Lindsay Baron and her husband Matthew of Andover, MA, Christian Stanton and his wife My of Boynton Beach, FL, Peter LoRé of Syracuse, NY, Katie Isabella Fierro-Ripoll and her husband Steven of Riverdale, NJ, Alice LoRé of Pennsylvania, Bella LoRé of Philadelphia, PA, and Henry LoRé of Massachusetts, ten great grandchildren; Jack, Julia, Alex, Isaac, Kayla, Anthony, Quinn, Tate, Charlie and Nico and her daughter-in-law Tiffany LoRé.  She was predeceased by her husband Captain Anthony LoRé in 2005 and by her son Louis Anthony LoRé in 2024.  She was also predeceased by her sister Dorothea Queenan, her brother-in-law Francis Queenan and Stepmom Helen Martin.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Isabella’s name may be made to Toys for Tots, Boys Town, or the Pompton Lakes First Aid Squad.