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Virginia Bissell Obituary
Obituary
MARCH 27, 1934 - JUNE 6, 2008
"Her children rise up and call her blessed."
Prov 31:28
Virginia "Ginny" Bissell, 74, a long time resident of Sanibel, passed away Friday, June 6,2008. Ginny was born March 27, 1934 in Chicago, IL, the oldest of two daughters born to Richard and Mabel Lindahl. She was a 1952 graduate of Lions Township High School, where she met the love of her life, Don Bissell. After graduation, she attended DePauw University, was a member of Alpha Phi sorority and majored in Physical Education. Her interests and talents were many; including dance, piano, painting, singing, tennis and reading. Ginny and Don married on July 14, 1956. Don and Ginny with their six children moved to Captiva Island in the summer of 1970 and built the Sanibel Dairy Queen. Ginny was an active volunteer in many areas of Island life. She was the organist at Saint Isabel Catholic church, acted in plays at the Pirate Playhouse, and helped to establish the girl's softball league. Her professional life on the Island included selling real estate and working at the Sanibel-Captiva Chamber of Commerce.
Most importantly, Ginny will be remembered for her smiling face and her warm hospitality. Ginny was an extraordinary role model to her six children.
The many friends who passed through the doorway of the Bissell's house left feeling like family.
Ginny was preceded in her death by her husband Don and is survived by her sister Joan Swofford of Fort Myers and her six children Steve(Pam) Bissell of Ewing, NJ, Brian(Lynn) Bissell of Fort Myers, Trish(Jamie) Phillips of Fort Myers, Janet Bissell-Ashby of Fort Myers, Barbie(Mike) Duvall of Fort Myers and Wendy(Brian) Smith of Mesa, AZ, fifteen grandchildren, Stephanie, Laura, Rachael, Lindsay, Megan, Dakota, Brian Jr., Julia, Caleb, Jake, Colton, Donovan, Noah, Josh and Brett.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to; Friends Who Care, 1619 Periwinkle Way, Suite 102, Sanibel, Florida 33957.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Monday, June 16 at Saint Columbkille Catholic Church, 12171 Iona Road, Fort Myers. A reception in celebration of Ginny's life will be held at Traders Café on Sanibel at 5 p.m following the church service.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Virginia Bissell
Darlene Fallgatter
June 18, 2008
Joannie & The Bissell Family,
Please know that "All The D's" in North Dakota are keeping you in our thoughts & prayers. We were so sorry to hear of Ginny's death. We have fond memories of your childhood visits to ND & of your wonderful parents.
With Love & Sympathy,
Darlene Fallgatter, Steele
Donna & Bruce Darsey, Donnellon, FL
Dianne & Alex Moch, Braddock
Dennis & Eileen F., Bismarck
Dottie & Jim Erwin, Steele
Deb Lippert & Jerry Moch, Lincoln
Dean & Kathy F., Steele
Danette & Eddie Biegler, Steele
Dolly & Pius Kuhn, Omaha, Neb.
Dwight & Robin F., Bismarck
Reina Schlager
June 17, 2008
I have known Ginny going back to the 80s and while she worked at the Chamber. There was never a time where she wasn't full of sunshine - no matter how bleak things might really be. Her cup was always half full. I will miss her.
Jane Housel Krumm
June 14, 2008
I've known Ginny since we were in kindergarten together at Grand Avenue school in Western Springs. She was always an up beat person with a smile for everyone. I was sorry to learn of her death and send my condolences to her family.
Tom Frohnapfel
June 14, 2008
Though Ginny left the Chicago area many years ago, I still run into those her knew her in Western Springs. They always have a smile, kind words, and happy reflections of her. She touched the lives of many in meaningful and long-lasting ways. We will miss her!
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Marilyn Francis
June 13, 2008
I know Ginny from living on the Island and working closely with her in Sanibel Christian Women's Club. She was such a wonderful person and will be truly missed by all who knew her. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Alice Frohnapfel
June 13, 2008
I will certainly be missing Ginny. We had a common background of large families. Since she started her family a couple of years sooner, I was able to learn many good parenting ideas from her. She was always a good friend to our family, and a loving aunt to my children.
Jim Frohnapfel
June 13, 2008
There are many seasons in our lives, much like there are seasons on the calendar. I find comfort in that one day I will see Aunt Ginny again. Meanwhile she is always on my mind in my heart because precious memories live forever. A mother's gift is unique and has a part not only in who we are, but in the lessons and gifts we pass along to our children.
Vivian Filosa
June 12, 2008
I worked with Ginny at the Chamber for a long time. She taught me a lot about Sanibel. She listened to any dilemmas I had and helped me work thru them. She always had a smile for everybody. She left the Chamber and I moved from Ft. Myers, so I lost contact with her.
Sally, Greg, Michelle & Jillian Smith
June 12, 2008
Her smile was warmer than the Florida sun and her eyes danced with joy. Aunt Ginny's love of life was both contagious and inspirational. She had such a natural way of embracing everyone with genuine affection. She has been a blessing in the lives of so many. We are thankful for the many gifts of her life and we will miss her very much.
Carol Wurtz (Frohnapfel)
June 12, 2008
We'll will miss Aunt Ginny more than any of us can ever say. Her smile, warmth and hospitality made the distance between Chicago and Florida seem much shorter. We will remember her always with great affection and love.
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