Lillian E. Bishop

Bishop, Lillian E. 90 Dec. 13, 1920 Sept. 22, 2011 In loving memory of our mother, Lillian Bishop. Mom died at home due to health complications associated with advanced age. She was 90 years old. Lillian Eliza Thurston was born Dec. 13, 1920, in Salem, to William H. Thurston and Violet Beatrice Oglesbee Thurston. She was raised on a farm around the small Willamette Valley town of Suver, Ore. She enjoyed telling us how she skipped seventh grade at her country school, because all the kids took a test and passed. She graduated at age 16 from Henry Hill High School in Independence, Ore. Mom met Richard L. Bishop at a logging camp in the Cascades where she did laundry for some of the workers. She was only 16 years old. She always laughed to tell us that she was washing Dad's clothes before they were married. Mom and Dad were married Aug. 7, 1938, in the garden at the farm. She said the ceremony was delayed, because the preacher couldn't find the farm and ended up driving through the fields to save time. They moved to Portland soon after, where they lived in the Sellwood area for many years. Her life was full with family and friends and raising her children, Gary and Evy. Mom loved to sew, and she made many dresses and outfits for Evy and tailored shirts for Gary. Mom was always asked to make buttermilk pie and coleslaw for every family event. She shared her recipes and gave us pointers, but the rest of us couldn't make it quite as tasty. Mom and Dad loved to travel. Hawaii and Alaska were her favorite adventures, but she enjoyed trips to the Oregon Coast, and camping and fishing in the Northwest when we were growing up. Mom loved to garden, and all the family agreed that she truly did have a green thumb. We all benefited from her talent with flowers and starts of plants. Mom was the historian in the family. Her mother's family traveled by wagon train to the Willamette Valley and settled there. Along with the family tree, she treasured a pair of scissors with the tips replaced by her maternal grandfather, who was a blacksmith. As she said, nothing was wasted or thrown away. Her father's family emigrated around 1900 from Eastern Canada to the Willamette Valley. They were dairy farmers and cared for fruit trees, vegetable gardens and other crops. Mom said her green thumb came from her father, who could look at something and make it grow. After we left home, Mom and Dad moved from the Sellwood house to a small bungalow in Westmoreland to stay close to friends and the neighborhood they loved. Dad died in February 2005, one week shy of his 93rd birthday. Not long after, Mom decided to move to the Westmoreland Union Manor. She loved the neighborhood and her friends. There was always something going on at the Manor, and we knew to call to see if she was available before heading over to see her, because chances were she had plans, and we would have to reschedule. She remained independent and played cards with her Pinochle group two weeks before her death. Mom lived her life by the Golden Rule and with a smile for everyone. Lillian is survived by her son, Gary Bishop (Joanne); daughter, Evy Bishop; grandsons, Brian Bishop (Dawn) and Brent Bishop (Anna); great-grandchildren, Sarah, Bill, Kate and Brian Bishop; nieces; and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; and beloved brother, William T. Thurston. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 7, 2011, at Wilhelm's Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 6705 S.E. 14th Ave., Portland. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Commerce-Cleveland High School Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 82898, Portland, OR 97282-0898, or a charity of your choice.