Obituary of Isabella Delores Bittner

Isabella Delores (Rutledge) Bittner, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother,  aunt, cousin, and friend, passed away peacefully, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at the age of 95. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Isabella grew up in the Southwest section of Philadelphia, in a small close-knit family where love, commitment, and care for others was  fostered. She spent much of her life in North Wildwood, New Jersey, enjoying the beauty of  the Jersey Shore and relishing the gentle pace of seashore living. In her later years, she  resided in Victoria Commons Assisted Living in North Cape May, where she spent the last  chapter of her life surrounded by loving friends, family, and staff; most notably, Olivia, Nancy,  Joelle, Eileen & Rita...and Michele, her hairdresser, who always made her feel beautiful! 

Isabella worked at John Hancock Insurance Company before meeting and marrying the handsome young man in the sharp Navy uniform who visited “his” aunt who lived doors away from her home. The rest was history...this marriage began a new chapter in her life; one that was filled with children, grandchildren, and a busy life dedicated to her family and community. She had a special talent for bringing people together, whether hosting family gatherings, participating in local events, or volunteering her time to those in need. She truly was the quintessential volunteer! 

Isabella’s Catholic faith was the cornerstone of her life, and she lived it through her service to her family, community and parishes. Her devotion was reflected in her many roles, particularly in her work with the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, as well as to S t. Barnabas and St. Ann’s Schools. One of her greatest joys was chauffeuring the IHM Sisters to her Jersey Shore home to enjoy a day of sun & fun, seafood lunches, and boardwalk jaunts, and then driving them back to the convent “on time.” Of course, she made sure they went home with bags of Douglass Candies to share with their families and the other Sisters!  

A generous and warm-hearted woman, Isabella was known for her quick smile and  compassionate nature. She was always ready to lend a helping- hand or a listening ear. “Welcome to my Porch” became an institution for relatives, friends, and neighbors on 15th  Street, where they would gather to sit and talk for minutes, an hour, or an evening.

Isabella will long be remembered for her altruistic spirit, and deep compassion for both people and animals, most especially her beloved Miniature Schnauzers, who filled her home and heart with joy and delight.

Isabella’s warm, kind, and nurturing spirit touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She was a strong pillar of support for her family, offering wisdom, guidance, and  unconditional love. Her greatest joy was spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren,  and she delighted in watching them grow and thrive; they will forever carry her memory in their hearts

 Isabella is predeceased by her husband of fifty years, John Anthony Bittner, and her parents, Isabella & John Rutledge, and an infant brother, John Jr.  

She is survived by her three children, John Bittner, George Bittner (Roseanne) and Isabella Kelly-Prince (Scott); four grandchildren, Melanie Bittner, George Kelly (Kelly), Michael Bittner (Allison), Kristina McBrearty (Brian); seven great-grandchildren, Liam Kelly, Gwen Kelly, Brian John McBrearty, Lucas McBrearty, Vienna McBrearty, Benjamin Anthony Bittner, and Brianna Bittner, along with many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and furbabies. Special  thanks to nieces, Mary Cellucci, Eileen Trease, and Gina Leidy, for their love and support  through Isabella’s journey to the last chapter of her life. So blessed!

 A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated by Monsignor William Quinn at 11 am on Thursday, January 9th, 2025, at St. Paul’s Church, 9910 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247.Visitation at the church from 10 am to 10:45 am. Internment at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 1056 Seashore Road, Cape May, NJ.

Donations in Isabella’s memory may be sent to, Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601, www.alz.org or to The Cape May  County Animal Shelter,  DN501B, 4 Moore Road, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210  

Please visit the Ingersoll Greenwood Funeral Home website to leave condolences and memories: www.ingersollgreenwoodfh.com Isabella’s legacy of love, service, and devotion, will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.. 

​