Emily Lucas Bissell was born to Nick and Catherine Lucas April 7, 1918 in Newark, New Jersey. Emily graduated from Georgian Court College in 1940 and went on to get her Master of Arts from Adams State College in 1975. She moved to Kremmling, Colorado in 1946 to operate a ranch with her husband Leonard, who returned from Europe after World War II where he served as a recon scout. In 1951 she moved to the family ranch in Black Forest , Colorado. She raised three sons while her husband Leonard, operated an advertising agency in Colorado Springs. During this time Emily was instrumental in forming School District Twenty. She served on the board of education for that same school district from 1958 until 1968. After her three sons graduated from high school she taught special education for the Board of Cooperative Services and School District Twenty. In 1983 she retired from teaching and traveled the world in tall ships including a trans-ocean crossing. She volunteered at The Fine Arts Center, Penrose Hospital and Edith Wolford Elementary. Emily was an avid Mahjong player, member of the Cowbells and other civic organizations.
Emily is survived by her three sons; Leonard Bissell Jr., Denver, Colorado; Nicholas and Lana Bissell, Pagosa Springs, Colorado; Mark Bissell, Black Forest, Colorado, and three grandsons Lucas and Cristy Bissell, Denver, Colorado; John Bissell, Boulder, Colorado; and Rory Bissell, Phoenix, Arizona.
In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to The Academy Education Foundation in memory of Dougy Dell, 1965 graduate of Air Academy High School, student body president from Black Forest and the first combat fatality from School District Twenty to lose his life serving our country. The Academy Education Foundation, 1110 Chapel Hills Drive, Colorado Springs, Colorado , 90820, attention Jeanette VanDoren.
A celebration of her life will be held at the Bissell Family ranch located at 10160 Vollmer Road, Black Forest, Colorado, from 10:00am until 2:00pm, January 19, 2013.
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