Helen F. Bisbee

Helen Frances Bisbee, age 86, of East Grand Rapids, passed away on May 2, 2018.  She was born on November 9, 1931, in Mt Morris, MI to Strother and Martha Brown.  She graduated from Linden High School and the University of Michigan with a Master’s degree in Library Science.   In 1955 she married Thomas Bisbee, and worked as a librarian at the Grand Rapids Public Library.    Helen was an avid traveler, with Tom in their Airstream, then eventually to all seven continents.  She wintered for nearly 20 years at Traveler’s Rest Resort near Dade City, FL.  She was an active member of First (Park) Congregational Church, where she sang in the Chancel Choir for 30 years, played handbells, and served many receptions as part of Bishop Ten.  Music was an important part of her life, she played many old time songs, “The Victors”, and Christmas carols on her piano and keyboard.  She was a member of the Brown Group of the University of Michigan Alumnae.  She was preceded in death by her husband in 2002, and her brother Lowry Brown.  She is survived by two children, Ellen (Howard Bruce) Rinker of Portage, MI, and their children, Aaron, Alexander, and Skyler, and David (Nina) Bisbee of Jenkintown, PA and their daughter Emma Frances, sisters-in-law Lorraine Bisbee of Grand Rapids and Judy Brown of Fenton, MI, seven nephews, and five cousins.  Memorial contributions may be made to First (Park) Congregational Church.  A memorial service is planned for 11:00 AM on Friday, May 25, at First (Park) Congregational Church.

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