Dorothy Bissell (nee Jackson)

Passed away April 3, 2026, peacefully in Victoria.  Dorothy lived a remarkable long and active life.  Mom was predeceased by her first husband of 29 years, Sydney Brain and second husband of 29 years, Philip Bissell, brothers Alan, Stanley and Rex, son David, daughter Kathleen, and stepdaughter Lynn. She is survived by daughter Marilyn (Howard), son Ross (Kerri), and stepsons Bruce and Christopher, six grandchildren Tyson (Laura), Carlene (Chad), Nancy, Ash, Jefferson (Amanda), Luke (Stephanie) and nine great grandchildren.

Dorothy was born in Langford and raised in James Bay attending Beacon Hill, South Park, and Victoria High Schools. She was the youngest child, of four growing up, with three older brothers. They loved to spoil and tease her. No wonder she had a great sense of humour. Her Dad owned and operated four confectionary stores across town.  According to stories, Dorothy was the chief candy taster in her dad’s stores. When she finished up her schooling, she first worked as a secretary with Manufacturers Life Insurance Company.

In 1949, she married Sydney Brain and went onto have four children.  During her time raising the children, the family followed the Navy from Victoria to England to Halifax and back to Victoria on several moves. Mom always kept physically active participating in a ten-pin bowling league, gym workouts, badminton, lawn bowling and her favourite, tennis. In fact, Mom only hung up the tennis racket in her 85^th year!  Over the years Mom had been a member of the Oak Bay Tennis Club, Oak Bay Lawn Bowling Club and longtime member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood. Mom seldom missed any of our activities including piano recitals, band concerts, cadet ceremonies, and many sporting events including local basketball to international rowing. A highlight event was venturing off for two weeks to Los Angeles to attend the 1984 Olympics to cheer on Canada’s rowing crews and take in many other sport competitions. She was definitely our #1 fan!  Volunteering was also an important part of Mom’s life, donating time at the Red Cross Blood Donor Clinics, helping at church events, and being a Brownie Leader.

After her first husband’s passing in 1978, twelve years later, Mom remarried.  Mom and Phil joined forces and built a new home.  Together they enjoyed lots of international travel by plane and cruise ships and annual trips to Maui.  They also enjoyed taking up the sport of lawn bowling together. When in town, Mom always enjoyed the family gatherings and visits with the grandchildren. She was often out watching their sports or performances on stage. More recently she has enjoyed the fourth generation of family and amazed us all as she got down with ease on the floor with her youngest great grandchildren playing with them even as recently as last fall.  She loved all the young people and was always interested in what they were up to. Throughout her life, Mom loved music and especially ballroom dancing.  In addition, she met for bridge regularly.

The family would like to thank Dr. Rideout for his care over the past ten years, Dr. Grimwood and the wonderful, caring staff of Berwick – Brio Suites.

A Celebration of Dorothy’s Life, led by The Venerable Archdeacon Craig Hiebert, will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC on Saturday, April 18^th at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Greater Victoria Down Syndrome Society (P.O. Box 35082, Victoria, BC. V8T 5G2 or via their website) or a charity of your choice.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

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