Mary Bissey, 82, of Tuscola, passed away Friday, September 17, 2010 at Provena Medical Center in Champaign.

A service celebrating her life will be held on Monday, September 20, 2010, 7:00 p.m. at Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, 705 South Main Street in Tuscola.

Mrs. Bissey was born in Danville, Illinois on September 12, 1928 to Charles Edison and Lillian P. Hackley Hazel.

After graduating from high school, Mrs. Bissey worked eight years for the Danville Commercial-News, as women's editor and reporter, and later as a reporter for the Tuscola Review. In addition, she served as chairman of children's activities for the Tuscola Flower Fairie & Garden Festival, tutored in the Tuscola school system Reading Program and delivered Peace Meals.

Volunteering at Walnut Point State Park as a nature interpreter was her joy for 20 years, and allowed her to share her love of animals and nature with countless others, both young and old. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources recognized her enthusiasm and dedication by naming her Outstanding Volunteer for 1996.

Mrs. Bissey was a resident of Tuscola for over 50 years, proud of being part of the community and grateful for all it offered to her family.

Survivors include her four children: Patricia Greaves of San Patricio, New Mexico; Randy Bissey of Houston, Texas; Donna Ralph of Starnberg, Germany; and Brad Bissey of Denver, Colorado; and five grandchildren.

Mrs. Bissey was preceded in death by her husband Dale Bissey, parents and sister Kathryn McClain.

Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made to Walnut Point Hope Fund, Park Office, 2331 E. County Road 370 N., Oakland, IL 61943; and to Hands-4-Paws, PO Box 204, Tuscola, IL 61953, e-mail: hands4pawsinc@yahoo.com.

Online condolences to the family may be sent via hilligossshraderfh.com