Mrs. Janet Emaline Bissett

Janet E. Bissett

February 12, 1926 - July 24, 2010

Tigard resident Janet E. Bissett died at 84 years old of natural causes on July 24, 2010. She was born in Spokane, Washington in 1926 as Janet E. Bodwell and spent her childhood there, the daughter of Ross and Philena Bodwell. Janet, her sister Betty, and brother Richard graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in Spokane.

Janet later attended the University of Oregon and was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. It was here that she met the love of her life, Robert A. Bissett of Tigard, who later became a Tigard dentist for his lifetime. They were married in 1946. He died in 1977 from a traffic accident, and Janet remained a faithful widow afterward. Her entombment will be alongside Dr. Robert Bissett at Skyline Memorial Gardens with the endearment chosen by her children, “Forever in Our Hearts.”

As an active worker, Janet was employed at U.S. National Bank, Portland and Tigard branches, and worked for Dodson’s Jewelers in Spokane as well as Carl Greve Jewelers in Portland. She was involved in many community and church activities in Tigard. She was one of the founders of the following:

Tigard Kindergarten before it was established in the public schools;

Tigard Cooperative Playschool for 4 and 5 year-olds;

Tigard Teen Center, (now called Tigard Youth Activities);

Original founding parishioner for an Episcopal Mission in Tigard (now St. James Episcopal Church).

She also was a volunteer for the Oregon Cancer Society’s “Reach to Recovery” program as a visitor to cancer patients in the hospital or in home, and volunteered at Meridian Park Hospital.

Janet was devoted to family, an overcomer of life’s challenges, protective of her children, and delighted by her grandchildren. Along with her creative talent in tole-painting; she loved music, dancing, and ice skating; had a wonderful sense of humor; and showed courage with life’s trials.

She is survived by daughters Linda Masters of Lake Oswego, Tina Bissett of Portland; and sons Stephen Bissett of Chehalis, Washington and David Bissett of Portland; as well as in-laws, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Memorial Contributions:

American Cancer Society

0330 S.W. Curry Street

Portland, OR 97239

American Diabetes Association

4380 S.W. Macadam Avenue, Suite 210

Portland, OR 97239

Charity of your choice.

Memorial Service, August 4, 2010, 1:00 pm:

Skyline Memorial Gardens Funeral Home

4101 NW Skyline Boulevard

Portland, OR 97229

Please join us for a Celebration of Janet's life that will be held in Skyline Memorial Gardens Funeral Home Chapel and Reception Area on Wednesday, August, 4, 2010 at 1:00 PM.

Please check back to this internet memorial for updates to Janet's Story in words and pictures.

Arrangements under the direction of Skyline Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, Portland, OR. (503) 292-6611