Rose Marie Bisson Smedes' Obituary
Rose Marie Bisson Smedes, age 72, passed away in Muskegon, MI, following a fall on September 12, 2025. Her passing was unexpected, but she passed quickly and without pain. She was in a happy place, as she was about to fly out and visit with her kids the next day.
She is survived by her beloved children: Stephen Smedes, Rebecca Braun, and Jonathon Smedes; granddaughters, Marlee Smedes and Murray Braun; and many other family members, including Mary Bisson, David and Pam Bisson, James and Debbie Bisson, Timothy Bisson, Thomas and Lisa Bisson, Nancy Peden, and many, many, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Maryann Bisson; siblings, Richard Bisson Jr, Sherry Edwards, and Daniel Bisson; and her precious dog, Ivy.
Rose was a wonderful and caring person who shared love and laughter with everyone around her. She was a great mother not only to her own kids, but to anyone who needed support and comfort.
Rose spent her career in health care and administration, helping patients and doctors alike. These jobs required her practical and caring nature, and Rose was always there to give help to the needy. For a period of time she worked the emergency room at a busy Portland hospital, where she steered an aggressive and sometimes armed public during extreme emergencies! We could not imagine a better person to defuse those situations and focus on the help and care needed.
Rose loved spending time with friends and family and walking with her dog Ivy and any other lost pets who needed a buddy. She travelled the world connecting with her family wherever they were. She always enjoyed a good meal, a good laugh, and a good adventure.
Rose was a special person who cared deeply and loved completely. To those who knew her, she always had a kind word or support to offer. She would help her kids and friends in a thousand unexpected ways. While she faced struggles in her life, she never let that dampen her spirit or love for others. Rose always had a kind word, a ready smile, and would always give you care and a helpful and compassionate hand. She taught all of us how to be a kind and caring person, and that will live on within all of us who knew her.
In lieu of flowers or gifts if you are inclined, you can donate to charity on Mom's behalf. She loved dogs so any of these would be great:
We will be planning a memorial service to celebrate her life, likely during Thanksgiving weekend. More details to follow.
Thank you all for being part of Rose’s life. She cared for us all, and we carry that love forward on her behalf.
We love you Rose and Mom. Rest In Peace.
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