Obituaries

Clara Jean Bissett

May 11, 1939 - October 12, 2020

CLARA JEAN BISSETT   

May 11, 1939 – October 12, 2020

It is with deep sadness that the family of Clara Jean Bissett announces her passing, at the age of 81. Known to everyone as Jean, she was a loving and thoughtful daughter, sister, aunt and friend.

Jean was born in Winnipeg to Mary (nee McLean) and Daniel Bissett. She spent her youth in Headingley, where her father, originally a member of the Manitoba Provincial Police, was the constable in charge of the RCMP detachment there and her mother was a school teacher. The family moved to Kirkfield Park and then St. James, where she finished her elementary and high school.  Jean and her two sisters, Betty and Cathy, were raised to be strong independent women and all three of them became nurses. Jean graduated in the Class of 1961A, from the Winnipeg General Hospital (WGH), as a Registered Nurse. She further pursued her career and completed her Bachelor of Nursing from the University of Manitoba. With a strong independent nature, Jean loved to travel and spent time nursing in Montreal and travelling North America and Europe, throughout her life. Her heart fondly remembers Montreal.

Jean’s passions were nursing, educating and history. She was an advocate for patients, families and fellow nurses and trained many staff along the way. She worked at Riverview Health Centre, formerly Winnipeg Municipal Hospital (WMH), for most of her career, proudly retiring as the Director of Education and always staying actively involved with her WGH Alumni. After retirement, Jean pursued her passion project and led the Riverview Heritage Museum project. The archives of the history of the WMH were accumulated and a historical video completed. The WMH (King George, King Edward, Princess Elizabeth) founded in 1911, is part of the history of Winnipeg. It was founded as a modern hospital for infectious diseases, such as typhoid fever, diphtheria, smallpox, polio, and tuberculosis. As these diseases dissipated, the WMH turned to its focus to long term care and was rebuilt and renamed Riverview Health Centre in 1995.  The museum and archives are part of Jean’s legacy and are still available to the public at the Riverview Health Centre.

Jean loved her large network of close friends and family. She always had time for a coffee and story and is lovingly remembered. In Jean’s own words “I loved you all”.

A Celebration of Life private service will be held at Wojcik’s, at 2157 Portage Avenue, on Monday, October 19, 2020. Please contact Hansine.Numberz@gmail.com if you wish to attend and/or to receive a video recording of service. Jean will be interred with family at an indoor niche at Chapel Lawn.

If friends so desire, memorial donations in Jean’s name may be made to the Riverview Health Centre Foundation at rhc.mb.ca.

Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded via the website wojciksfuneralchapel.com.