Patricia "Pat" Ann Bissell

Patricia Pat Bissell was a vibrant, passionate woman, who woke up every day and lived her life to the fullest. Her family meant everything to her, and she devoted herself to caring for her husband, children, and grandchildren. Although life wasnt always easy for Pat, she made the most of what she had, and could always find a way to help out others. Not wealthy in terms of money, Pat was rich in everything that matters: friends, family, laughter, love, and a lifetime of memories. Her generous spirit and joyful personality touched many hearts over the years, and she will be deeply missed. For the United States, the year 1940 was an unusual mix of hope and foreboding, as the easing of the Depression coincided with increasingly aggressive attacks by Germany and Italy on Western Europe. America was as yet untouched by the conflict, however, and saw cultural innovations including the introduction of the 40-hour workweek, the debut of Bugs Bunny, and the opening of the first McDonalds restaurant. Patricia Ann, or Pat as she preferred to be called, was born on July 23, 1940, in Shelby, Michigan. Her birth parents were Herbert and Gladys (VanBrocklin) English, but as an infant Pat was adopted by loving parents George and Beatrice (Mudge) Jones. Pat had a rough infancy, but she was nursed back to health through the loving care of her mother, Beatrice. Pat married the love of her life, Delbert Bissell, in 1963. Pat and Delbert were both energetic, generous people, who shared a passion for helping others and an unquenchable zest for life. Pat loved dancing and music, and Delbert drove a racecar. In fact, given the chance, Pat would probably have driven in the derby as well! As it was, she was always in the stands, happily cheering on Delbert. As the years went by, Pat and Delbert were blessed with seven children: Christine, Rex Allen, Leo Jay, Timothy Scott, Ronald Keith, Laurie Ann, and Brian Lee. Her children were the most important part of Pats life, so she chose to be a stay-at-home mom. In addition to raising seven kids, Pat somehow managed to find time to serve the community as well. She was active in the womens auxiliary of the Blue Lake Township Fire Department, where Delbert was a volunteer firefighter for many years. Delbert had originally wanted to be a police officer or fireman, but at that time the jobs had height restrictions. They allowed him to fight those fires as a 54 volunteer, however, and Pat was by his side helping in the auxiliaries. Pat was also an active member of the V.F.W. in Holton where Delbert, as a veteran of the Korean War, was a member. When their children were younger, Pat also volunteered as a crossing guard and a Brownie leader. Pat and Delbert first belonged to the Baptist church, and over the years attended services at a variety of churches. Most recently, they worshipped at the Shiloh Tabernacle, a non-denominational church in Dalton, Michigan. Pat was an incredibly strong woman, and weathered every storm life threw at her with grace, dignity, and humor. Pat and Delbert went through many ups and downs together looking back, there were more downs then ups. Even when they lost their house and had to live in a campground, however, they still found ways to help others. Pat learned to crochet, and made many items for family, friends, and people in need. Pats granddaughter, Heather, has fond memories of visiting Pat at the campground. They would make Heathers favorite dish, hobo pies two bread slices buttered on one side, wrapped around a filling of choice, clamped together with a metal pie tin and put in the fire to bake. Heather also remembers her grandmothers exuberant dancing: I remember Grandma, my mom and me out on the dance floor with our socks on, doing the twist! Pat and Delberts lives were deeply intertwined, and it was very difficult for Pat when her beloved husband passed away in 2002, ending a love story that had lasted for 43 years. It was around this time that Pats health took a turn for the worse, and she eventually had to live in a nursing home in order to receive care for her diabetes, heart disease, and kidney failure. Although Pat would face many health challenges in the decade to follow, she fought bravely the entire time, and came through more than once when no one expected her to. Pat loved seeing her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren at the nursing home, and kept dancing to the end: listening to her new Garth Brooks CD (a Christmas present), she was tapping her feet so much that the nurses had to ask her to stay still for a minute so they could change her bandages! Although her body was slowing down on her, Pats generous spirit and joy in life were just as strong as ever. Strong, giving, and kindhearted, Pat was a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, and a loyal friend. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her many friends and family members. Mrs. Patricia "Pat" Ann Bissell passed away on February 13, 2013, at the age of 72. Pats family includes her children, Christine (Brian Sr.) Lund, Rex Allen Bissell, Leo Jay (Melissa) Bissell, Timothy Scott (Kim) Bissell, Ronald Keith (Christine) Bissell, Laurie Ann Yack (Dave), and Brian Lee Bissell (Myra); 31 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and her brother, Roger VanBrocklin. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 43 years, Delbert; her parents; and her siblings, William, Harold, Leta, Jim, Chuck and William. Pats family extends their heartfelt thanks to the many nurses and staff at Transitional Health Services in Fremont, Michigan, for all the love and care they have given Pat over these past few years. They have seen her through most of it all. Thank you to the doctors and nurses at St. Marys in Grand Rapids for all the care you gave to her during her kidney transplant (Dr. Legault and his group, Dr. Sherman and Dr. Borreson and their group) and all the doctors and staff with Davita Dialysis (Muskegon and Fremont), Shoreline Vision, West Shore Cardiology, West Michigan Surgical, the Muskegon nephrology group, and all the nurses and doctors involved in Pats care at Mercy Health in Muskegon over these many years. Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, February 18, with visitation 1 hour prior to the service at the Clock Chapel Muskegon. Interment will be at Holton Cemetery. Memorial donations may be directed to the family, in order to defray funeral expenses. Please visit Pats personal memory page at www.clockfuneralhome.com, where you can learn more about her life, share a favorite memory or photo, and sign the online guestbook.