Isabel Badillo

Isabel Badillo was born and raised in Brooklyn New York to Portuguese parents Valentim Neves and Albertina Miranda Neves. She is one of 9 siblings. Isabel is a widow with a handsome Son a beautiful daughter a Son-in-law and a wonderful granddaughter.

Isabel worked in Retail for a few years while in school. In her twenties she started working for AIG Oil Rig, 70 Pine Street, NYC, as an assistant Secretary to the Vice President. She was also the head of the Microfilm department. Later she began working for the United States Postal Service where she officially retired on disability in 2003.

In her youth Isabel enjoyed singing, acting, and dancing. She was involved in many jr. high and high school plays.  She studied at Pace University in N.Y.C. and took courses at Middlesex county college in NJ. She has always had a passion for music. She has taken private lessons with Janice Cavalier, Rita Davidsen, Sarah Kreiger, Daria Dragon and Kathleen Spadafino.

Isabel has been singing in choirs for over 35 years. She first started singing at Our Lady of Mount Carmel church in Astoria, New York. Presently Isabel cantors and sings funerals, weddings and sings with the choir at Corpus Christi Church in South River, NJ.  She belongs to St. Thomas Apostle church in Old Bridge NJ and sings with the choir. When needed, Isabel is a relief cantor at St.Thomas.

She is a repertory member of the board at Playhouse 22 where she has performed in plays such as Footloose, Bye Bye Birdie and A Christmas Carol. She is also a member of the Festival Choir at St. Francis Cathedral in Metuchen, NJ. Because of the pandemic, Isabel has taken a break from the East Brunswick Community Chorus where she was also the event coordinator for Kathleen Spadafino.

Isabel also sang (an hour long, one woman show about three to four times a year), at the Chelsea assistant living home in East Brunswick, accompanied by Kathleen Spadafino. She did at times add friends to join and sing with her.

Isabel enjoys singing in church choirs and choruses, but she is especially fond of Rise Up Chorus in Metuchen, NJ.  Giving of our time and talent to help put smiles on faces of others is so rewarding. She has been a member of Rise Up Chorus since the founder Matt LaPine introduce the idea of his vision to her.  She is in charge of the Sunshine club, and is the Librarian and a proud member of the board for Rise Up Chorus.