Laurene Conlon Bissell

Laurene Conlon Bissell, a 51-year resident of Lido Isle in Newport Beach, died on June 15, 2012 at the age of 87. Her devoted husband of 62 years, George Bissell, preceded her in death in 2010. Lari, as she was known, was born in Covina, California, the eighth of nine children of Mary Burke and Patrick Conlon, and was named for her maternal grandmother, Suzanne Laurent. She and George met in high school; they were married in 1947 when he was in architecture school at the University of Southern California. They went on to share a long and wonderful life together filled with sailing, travel, books, art, friends and faith—and, at the forefront, children, grandchildren and laughter. They had five children: Therese Bissell (James Jennings) of San Francisco; Thomas Bissell (Lenka) of Playa Morrillo, Panama; William Bissell (Julie) of Newport Beach; and Catherine Hazen of Kula, Hawaii; their son Robert Bissell (Leanne) of Newport Beach died earlier this year. Lari was the loving grandmother of Brian, Matthew, Thomas, Catherine, Grant and Annie Bissell and Megan Hazen. She was the last surviving sibling of the large Conlon family of “old Covina” and leaves 10 nieces and 12 nephews, and their spouses. At her request, a Mass and private graveside service will be held for the immediate family.