Isobel Ion was born on 30 October 1885 in Ballarat to parents John and Mary Ellen Ion (née Carran). Isabel was one of nine children born to the couple - three girls and six boys. The Ion's first four children were born in Cheshire, England. Unfortunately, two of the children died as infants and shortly afterwards, the family immigrated to Ballarat, Victoria, Australia where the rest of the children were born.
By the turn of the century, the Ion family had relocated to Claremont, Western Australia. With the onset of WW1, Nurse Isabel Ion travelled to England, joined the Joint War Voluntary Aid Detachment (JWVAD) and was posted, by Devonshire House to 2nd London General Hospital, Chelsea, England on 30 September 1916. She was later transferred to the 53rd General Hospital to serve in France until June 1918. Time served with the Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD) Territorial Force Nursing Service (TFNS) was from 23 April 1917 to 30 May 1918. On 16 January 1918, Nurse Ion was awarded "One Scarlet Stripe". The Scarlet efficiency stripe was awarded if the VAD had been employed solely in military hospitals under War Office control since November 1915. This stripe was only awarded if the VAD had been certificated as 'efficient' by their Matron and Commanding Officer.
Four of Isobel's five brothers also served in WW1 with the AIF - Frederick, Stanley, Thomas and John who is also honoured with a tree in the Avenue.