Susan A. Bissell's Obituary
Mrs. Susan A. Bissell, age 74, of Grand Haven passed away Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born February 11, 1947 in Wauwatosa, WI to Norman and Betty (Perry) Wismer. On September 17th, 1995 she married William F. Bissell, Sr. on Mackinac Island at the Little Stone Church.
Susan’s joy for life resonates through her treasured family and friendships, her experiences, and her commitment to the communities in which she lived. She was an educator and devoted her life’s work to strengthening and creating vibrant communities for the benefit of all. She enjoyed serving the arts, hiking through Europe with her girlfriends and book clubs. She was an avid reader, enjoying many different literatures. She was a dancer and performed with the Grand Rapids Civic Ballet. Among her honors, she was nominated by her classmates (class of ’65) for distinguished alumni recognition for the Big Rapids High School Alumni Association.
Susan was recognized for her achievements and dedicated service in her professional life and was the recipient of awards from the Michigan Department of Education for her leadership and contributions in community education, literacy programs and supporting the disability community. Susan served in many organizations over the years including Muskegon Service League, One Hundred Women Who Care and Camp Bluebird Cancer Retreats. She served terms as President of both the Grand Rapids Ballet and the West Shore Symphony.
She is survived by her husband, William; daughter, Alison (Matthew) Woodward; stepchildren: William (Norine) Bissell, Jr., Tamsen (Scott Corbat) Bissell and Loraine (John) Black; grandchildren: Tessa, Maxwell, Griffin and Harper Corbat; Juliet, Bree and Catherine Black; Benjamin, Sam and Emerson Bissell; Kristy (Stace) Hall; Kaylynn (Ray) Peters; Nicole and Nadine Afton; great-grandchildren, Hannah and Pryce Hall; brothers, Norman and Robert Wismer; cherished in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends. She will be deeply missed.
A visitation will take place 12-2 PM, Saturday May 8th at The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417. A private family service and interment will take place in Lake Forest Cemetery. Donations in her name can be made to the Susan A. Bissell Memorial Fund for the Arts at the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, 1 S. Harbor Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417 or online at www.ghacf.org. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.
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