Martha Delphine Bissell February 15, 1921 – January 17, 2019 Share this obituary Sign Guestbook| View Guest Book Entries| Send Sympathy Card Martha Delphine (Vandergrift) Bissell, 97, of Havertown, PA and formerly of Quiet Dell, WV, died Thursday, January 17, 2019. She was the beloved wife of the late Philip C. Bissell, who died in 2003. Born February 15, 1921 in Fairmont, WV, she was a daughter of the late Huey and Mabel (Williams) Vandergrift.
Martha, also known as Delphine, Mart, Marty and Mrs. B, wore many hats over the years. She was a Coal Miner’s Daughter, Farmer’s Daughter, Nanny, Rosie the Riveter, and best of all Mom. Delphine, as she was known growing up in West Virginia, helped raise her six younger brothers and sisters.
She had many jobs while in High School, the Red Cross being one of them. She would walk 7 miles home with a sack of flour over her shoulder, paid for with her week’s salary. She was a nanny for country music singer Lee Moore and his wife Wanita, traveling with them and taking care of their son Roger Lee.
Martha moved to Philadelphia during World War II and was a real life “Rosie the Riveter” at Kellet’s Autogyro factory in Lansdowne, PA, making the wing flaps for Republic P-47 Thunderbolt planes. While working at Kellet’s she met her future husband Phil, whom she married in 1944. Phil and Mart loved to visit family by car, travel home or motorcycle seeing much of the US along the way.
Martha was active in her community in the Jr Women’s League, Oakmont PTA, Boy Scout Den Mother, and Girl Scout Leader. Martha attended Grace Chapel in Havertown PA for over 70 years where she was active in women’s ministries, especially Sewing Circle for many years. She worked in the church office until 2017.
In her last years she lived with her daughter Karen in North Wales and attended Harvest Bible Chapel in King of Prussia, where she charmed many new friends of all ages. Marty was well loved. She was the person people called when they were hurting or in need.
She will be greatly missed. She is survived by her children, Rae C. Bissell (Melissa) of Simi Valley, CA, Richard L. Bissell (Marcella) of Rio Rancho, NM, Perry E. Bissell (Molly) of Pittsburgh, and Karen M. Haag (Darryl) of North Wales, PA; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and her sister, Mary Jean Abel (Wayne) of Ravenswood, WV. She was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Kerry Bissell and Graham Haag; three brothers, Delbert (Duke), William (Buck), and Denzil (Sonny); and three sisters, Marguerite (Peggy), Melinda (Lily), and Mildred (Middy).
Relatives and friends may call between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at Huff & Lakjer Funeral Home, 701 Derstine Ave. , Lansdale. A second visitation will begin 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 23 at the funeral home followed by the Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be Keller’s Church Cemetery, Perkasie, PA.
For those desiring, contributions may be made in Martha’s memory to Grace Chapel, 2337 Darby Rd. , Havertown, PA 19083 or Disabled American Veterans, 3725 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, KY 41076.
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