Mrs. Nancy Sargent Bissell

Nancy Sargent Bissell died peacefully at Berkshire Medical Center on August 15, 2023, after experiencing a stroke just 32 hours earlier. She was surrounded by family and loved ones singing “You’ll Never Walk Alone” (with a little help from Elvis Presley). Nancy was born to Arthur and Edith MacGregor Sargent in Ayer, MA, on July 12, 1938. She graduated from Groton High School in Groton MA, where she was voted “most popular” and where she acquired her love of theater. Nancy was employed in the office of Hollingsworth and Vose Company before becoming engaged to George H. Bissell. The two eventually settled in the Berkshires when George went to work for General Electric. Nancy was passionate about her Dalton community and loved raising her family in the Berkshires. She worked professionally in the Central Berkshire Regional School District for more than 20 years, including at Crane Community School in Windsor and Berkshire Trail Elementary School in Cummington. She was a fierce advocate for quality public education and worked tirelessly to make her community more loving and welcoming. Nancy was a protean force when it came to connecting people and nurturing friendships. She continued volunteer work well into her advanced years, helping to run the Green Gargoyle, a thrift shop with a charitable mission hosted by the First Congregational Church in Dalton. Yet Nancy’s greatest love was her family. She is survived by her loving husband George Bissell, who was by her side to the very end. Their 62-year marriage stands as a testament to the enduring power of love. She is survived also by her four sons Brian, Richard, John (Melissa) and Mark (Laura); nine grandchildren Jacqui, Levi, Dillon, Samantha, Tess, Whidbey, George, Maryn, and Chase; and two great-grandchildren Magnolia and Keegan. Nancy delighted in any celebration or activity that brought the family “all togethah” – birthdays, holidays, soccer and baseball games, concerts, theater, dance recitals, Scouting events – or truly any activity involving her children and grandchildren. She celebrated her 85th birthday just one month before her passing, “all togethah” in true Nancy style. In addition to her immediate family, Nancy is also survived by her step-sister Wanda Hill. She was predeceased by her parents, by her sister Carol who died early in childhood, and her sister Ann who passed away in 2004. Funeral Notice: Funeral services for Mrs. Nancy S. Bissell will be held Saturday, August 19, 2023, at 1 pm at the First Congregational Church in Dalton. There will be an hou Fr of visitation at the church directly prior to the service, from noon to 1 pm. For those who cannot make Saturday’s services, calling hours will also be held on Friday, August 18, 2023, from 4:30 pm to 7 pm at the Dwyer-Wellington Funeral Home in Dalton, 525 Main St, Dalton MA 01226. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Loaves and Fishes, DUMC, 755 Main St., Dalton, MA 01226. The family wishes to thank the members of the Dalton Fire Department for their rapid and compassionate response, and the staff at Berkshire Medical Center.

Mrs. Nancy Sargent Bissell

July 12, 1938 - August 15, 2023