Dr. Isabel Teresa Breen

In the early hours of April 21st, 2021, surrounded by her children, Dr. Isabel Teresa Breen, 66, passed peacefully in her sleep. She spent her final days at a beautiful facility with caring staff in Kennesaw, Georgia, with warm visits and kind words from many who loved her. She is survived by her daughter, Isabel O’Cathey and son, Conor Nagata; her sisters Kathy Bregler, Bridget Hoffmeyer, and Moira Breen; and brothers Joseph and Michael Breen. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Leah Breen, by brothers Leo and John, and by sisters Leah and Sheila. Dr. Izzy Breen was born January 30th, 1955 in Tampa, Florida. She possessed a strong spirit, a sharp mind, and a compelling curiosity that drove her to explore different places and try new things. Her varied interests and extensive travel carried her around the United States. Among the places she called home were Florida, Georgia, Oregon, North Carolina, Indiana, and New Jersey. Isabel earned three degrees, including a Doctorate of Education. She spent most of her professional career in the medical field and was most recently a professor at Rutgers University. Isabel was loved and respected by her large family and many friends, all of whom fondly recall her infectious laugh and quick wit. Izzy’s diverse interests and engaging personality allowed her to make lifelong friends from many walks of life. Always eager to cook amazing meals, Isabel thoroughly enjoyed good company, and loved to see those she cared about have a good time. She had an enduring passion for sports, and was a lifelong fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Their Super Bowl victory in her final year will always be a cherished memory. Isabel’s immense strength will always be admired by those who witnessed it. Her physical fortitude and mental resolve were evident throughout her life. A third-degree blackbelt in Shorin-ryu Seibukan, Sensei Breen was not a woman you’d want to cross. Her strong spirit was regularly tested, especially during the battle with cancer she bravely fought during her final years. In typical fashion, Isabel lived much longer than expected after she received her original diagnosis. The added time she ultimately secured will forever be appreciated by her family, who were blessed by every second that she lived. Per her wishes, a celebration of life will be held Thursday, August 19th, in Indian Rocks Beach, Florida. Isabel felt most at home on the Gulf beaches of the beautiful Florida Coast. Join us to celebrate the life of our amazing, wonderful and greatly-missed mother, Dr. Isabel Teresa Breen. We will be hosting a Celebration of Life on the shores of Indian Rocks Beach, Florida at sunset on Thursday, August 19, 2021. Please bring a memory and/or picture to share. Appetizers, Wine and Beer will be provided. And as mom would only see fit, the tunes of the Rolling Stones will be rocking! "She just can't be chained To a life where nothing's gained" - With love, Isabel & Conor WHEN: Thursday, August 19, 2021 4PM - Sunset WHERE: Sand Castle 3 Condominiums 20040 Gulf Blvd, Indian Shores, FL 33785 Guest parking may be challenging and we are hoping that Caddy's Pub will allow for a few of their spaces for this period of time. Please call or text Isabel at 7708460713 for any questions leading up to the celebration date.