Obituary of Isobel J. Chessar

January 9, 2011 Isobel J. Chessar, M.D., of Syracuse, died in her home on Sunday in the company of her family. Born in Dundee, Scotland in 1928, Dr. Chessar received her medical degree from St. Andrews University and crossed the Atlantic at age 22 to complete her residency in anesthesiology at Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. She settled in Syracuse in 1962 where she worked for many years as an anesthesiologist, and as a school physician for the Syracuse City School District. Having given birth to her seventh child, Dr. Chessar completed a second residency in psychiatry, and worked as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at Upstate Medical University and Hutchings Psychiatric Center, retiring just last month from the Madison County Mental Health Clinic in Wampsville. An inspiration to all who knew her, Dr. Chessar lived her life with zeal, dignity, determination, grace and independence. She was an avid downhill skier (and member of the International Ski History Association), world traveler, gardener, tennis player, knitter and reader, an ardent fan of football, tennis and competitive swimming, and a lover of visual arts and classical music. She is survived by her seven children, Diana McDonough, Michael Lilien, Adam (Dusty) Lilien, Laura (Dick) Greenhalgh, Rachel (Jimmy) Breslin and Christina (Greg) Ferlenda--all of Syracuse--and Jason (Roberta) Lilien of Salt Lake City, Utah. She also leaves behind 16 beloved grandchildren. In that she was the consummate world traveler, her family invites friends and colleagues to join them in bidding her a final ‘Bon Voyage’ by calling on them between 5 and 8 p.m., Friday, January 21 in the upstairs lounge at Drumlins Country Club. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her name to the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra.