Marie Ferris Bissell

Marie Ferris Bissell, née Lacouture, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2024 after a life filled with love, kindness, and dedication to her family, friends, and community. Born on June 12, 1928, in Millbury, Massachusetts, to parents Florence and George Lacouture, Marie was the youngest of five children.

Marie met her first husband, L. William Ferris (Bill), at a sailing club in Boston.  She was a nurse at the VA Veterans Hospital and he was in medical school.  Marie and Bill moved to Delaware, where they had their daughters, Joyce and Linda. Sailing was a big part of their family life. They enjoyed cruising on the Chesapeake and in New England. They fell in love with Blue Hill, Maine, and planned to build a summer home there until Bill's untimely death in 1982.

Marie found love again with Harry Bissell, with whom she shared a beautiful marriage lasting thirty years. Harry passed away on August 5, 2022. Marie and Harry always held hands when walking home from dinner, right up to their last moments together, serving as a beautiful example of love and lifelong commitment to joy. Their partnership exemplified what it looks like to reinvent oneself later in life, with a whole second act full of love and companionship.

Marie had a nurse’s heart and was a compassionate caregiver, always giving her time to those in need. Marie was deeply involved in her community, she volunteered for Hospice, tutored children, participated in church activities, served on the board of a nursing home, volunteered at a daycare and for Meals on Wheels. Linda and Joyce always said that their mom needed a pager because of how important she was to so many different people and how she was the first phone call for so many.

Marie’s dedication to end-of-life care was particularly inspiring. She received the same loving care at the end of her own life from the nurses and caregivers at Water’s Edge and from Treasure Coast Hospice. Marie’s family cannot thank all who lovingly cared for her enough.

 Marie lived in several places throughout her life, including her hometown in Massachusetts, Boston, Delaware, Maine, and Florida. She was deeply involved in her community in Blue Hill, Maine, where she loved being out on the water, playing golf, gardening, and spending time with friends. She was a generous friend and a dedicated member of her church, always giving back to others.

 Marie had an infectious laugh that could bring tears to her eyes and make it hard for others not to join in. She loved to read, listen to music, and attend concerts and obscure performances, sometimes more avant-garde than she realized. Her life was filled with joy, exploration, and learning, and she lived with a sense of curiosity and appreciation for others. She was an inspiration, showing how rich life can be, even as you grow older.

 Known affectionately as Grommy to her grandson Sam, Grommy’s selflessness and generosity inspired her grandson Sam in his work in healthcare, teaching, and eventually to become a father.

 Marie had a deep love for dogs and dogs loved her too. Just ask Cannoli and Lilly! She always showed her care and love through her affection for dogs, as well as for children and aging folks.

 Marie is survived by daughters Joyce (John), Linda (J.R.), Susan, Trish (Ed), Gael (Rick), grandchildren Sam (Chanel), Carrie (Jason), Heidi, Luke, Jenna (Sam), great grandchildren Annie, Eddie and Carmelo. She was predeceased by husbands L. William Ferris and Harry B. Bissell.

 A celebration of Marie's life will be held on June 22, 2024 at 11:00 at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church 623 East Ocean Blvd Stuart, FL. A light lunch will be served at Smith Hall on St. Mary’s campus following the celebration. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Treasure Coast Hospice (a cause close to Marie's heart) or in her name to a charity of giver’s choice.

Marie will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her memory will live on in the hearts of those she loved.

Online condolences and expressions of sympathy can be made by visiting www.Martin-Funeral.com