Claire Bissell 1931-2026
Claire Bissell, age 95, passed away of natural causes on August 27, 2026 at her home in Boca Grande. She was an Active Boca Grande Community volunteer, working closely with The Woman’s Club, Art Alliance, Yacht Club and the Catholic Church.
Claire was a woman of grace and beauty. She was the matriarch of her family and a source of love and strength to all who knew her. From the desert of Edward’s Air Force Base and the coastal warmth of Newport Beach, to Michigan Landscapes of Grand Rapids and Harbor Springs, Claire found her most comfort in her retired years in Sun Valley and Boca Grande, her final resting place.
Her positive influence and legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched. Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, on May 7,1931 to the late Sadie and Robert Heinl, Claire grew up with a deep appreciation for family, art and travel. She carried those passions throughout her life, becoming an accomplished artist and world traveler. Claire graduated from Cortland State University of New York, with a degree in Primary Education.
Claire was the beloved wife of John M. Bissell for 74 years. Their marriage was defined as a partnership built on mutual respect and enduring love. Her proudest accomplishment was raising four outstanding sons. Claire dedicated her life to her family and cherished the time spent watching them grow. Her sons brought to Claire’s loving arms six grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Beyond her role as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Claire was a competitive sailor and enjoyed racing while living on Long Island Sound, Newport Beach and Macatawa Bay in Michigan. She was also a docent for the Grand Rapids Art Museum. Claire was active in her Boca Grande Community as a volunteer and philanthropist.
Friends and family will remember her for her radiant smile, unwavering kindness and quiet strength. Claire is survived by her loving husband, John, four loving sons, John (MJ), Matthew (Vicki, Mark (Cathy), and James (Lisa); six grandchildren, Brandon, Alissandra, Adam, Max, Morgan and Meric; 15 great-grandchildren, Ava, Sloan, Carter, Emerson, Carter, Blake, Eleanor, Madison, Collins, Kaia, Anna, Lydia, Brody, Aila, Brooks and Hallie.
A Catholic Mass for Family was held in her honor at the Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Boca Grande, Florida, on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, at 10 a.m. A Celebration of Life for friends and Boca Grande islanders will be scheduled for some time in November.
In lieu of flowers, a donation and message to Claire@bissellpetfoundation.com would be welcome and acknowledged.
Claire Heinl Bissell,
May 7, 1931 – August 27, 2026
