Jeanette "Tillie" Bisso

Jeanette Blakely “Tillie” Bisso, 80, passed away peacefully at Riverbend Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on November 29, 2020.

On January 27, 1940, a record setting cold wave announced the birth of the third daughter of the late Joseph and Edith Blakely.  A tomboy of sorts as a young girl she preferred wearing jeans over dresses and playing all the rough and tumble games of childhood. Tillie, as she was known since grade school, was raised in New Orleans, Louisiana; was educated through the New Orleans Public School System and attended college at the University of New Orleans. She excelled as a student and was fluent in French. She married Gary Bisso of New Orleans.

Tillie loved life, family, food and sports. She was a gourmet chef, an avid tennis player, and took great interest in the sports and extracurricular activities of her family.  She had a fervent interest in all children and lovingly claimed all kids as her own.  As a swim instructor and coach at club level as well as collegiate, she produced many champion swimmers.  Tillie’s outgoing personality cultivated many lifelong friends and acquaintances.  Together, they shared interest in the arts, gardening, cooking, sports, love and life.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gary Bisso and son Jody Bisso; sisters, Elizabeth “Betty” Hyatt and Marilyn Hoffpauir.  She is survived by her son, Toby Bisso; daughters, Susan (Ricky) Papania and Gari “Gigi” St. Philip; grandchildren, Brandon, Kaitlyn, Lindsey, Sarah, Michaela, Sophia, Victoria, Giavanna, Angelina, and great-granddaughter, Blakely.  For mention for love and devotion, Pam Menesses, Patricia Mingledolph, Amber Bisso , Josh Dixon, and Luke Marchant.

Although saddened with her passing, all can take solace that they were loved and thought of with a full heart.  A Celebration of her Life and remembrance to share memories and adventures will be held and announced at a later date so all who would like to attend will be able to do so.