March 21, 2025

OBITUARY: Sister Mary Bisson, SSJ

REGIONAL
Staff report

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — Sister Mary Bisson (Margaret Arthur), 82, beloved member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield, died in Newport, R.I. on March 5. A native of Newport, Sister Bisson was the daughter of George and Mary (Martin) Bisson.

Sister Bisson entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield from St. Augustin Parish, Newport in 1964. She graduated from St. Catherine Academy, Newport. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Salve Regina College, Newport.

Sister Bisson taught at St. Joseph High School, Pittsfield; Sacred Heart and Bishop Keough High Schools, Pawtucket, R.I.; and St. Xavier (High School) Academy and St. Mary’s School, Providence. She was co-founder and co-director of the Providence Learning Center. She worked in agriculture at Stonewall Stand Farm and Maplewood Farm. She also worked at Our Sister’s Place as a women’s advocate and a family advocate for People, Inc. in Fall River, Mass. Sister Bisson volunteered in several agencies, among them Hospice of Rhode Island, Chad Brown Housing Project and South Providence Neighborhood Ministries. She also received many awards: Jefferson Award in 1990, Community Progress Award, Cunningham Award and the Salve Regina University Distinguished Alumna Award in 1996.

In addition to her sisters in community, Sister Bisson leaves her sister, Michele Andrade (Victor) of Newport, several nieces and nephews many of whom reside in Texas, a former brother-in-law, David Groark of Texas, and a dear friend, Sister Margaret Carey, RSM and several other relatives and friends of Newport and Springfield, Mass. She was predeceased by her parents, Mary and George Bisson, and a sister, Margaretta Bisson Groark.

All services for Sister Bisson will take place at Mont Marie Senior Residence in Holyoke. Her wake will be Thursday, April 3, at 10 a.m. followed immediately with a prayer service. Burial will follow in Mont Marie Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph, 577 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104.