Obituary of Isabel M Bishop

Bangor—Dr. Isabel Bishop passed away quietly in the home she loved on May 23, 2021. She was born April 30, 1924, to Katherine (MacLeod) and Albert MacPherson in Newton, Massachusetts. Her only brother, Albert Jr., was killed in action during WW II.

Isabel was a gifted child and began playing the violin at age 3. It was her desire to play professionally, but was told it was a gentleman's profession.  She attended Girls’ Latin High School and then Boston University for her BS, MS and PhD in Education. She further studied Sociology at the University of Munich, Germany.  Dr. Bishop dedicated her entire professional life to public education. She taught in Quincy, MA; Munich, Germany; Brunswick; Bangor; and Orono, as well as Prince Edward Island.  During her career at UMO she developed the EFFY Program, the first to require field experience for all students in the education program. She also developed the televised micro-teaching program for graduate students.  She served as consultant for the Massachusetts State Department of Education on the education of gifted children.  She served on the board of directors for United Cereal Palsy and the Human Rights Committee of EMMC.  She presented at the Maine Teachers Convention and was published in the Maine Teachers Assoc. Journal.  She received many honors for academic achievement, the Distinguished Service Award for Women in Education, Teacher of the Year in 1977, and the Distinguished Contribution to Education by the Bangor Teachers Association.  She was nominated for the Jefferson Award.

In 1964, she married the love of her life, David Bishop. He lovingly referred to her as his "better half" and himself as the "lucky half". They shared many happy memories entertaining in their home in Bangor and Orwell Cove, PEI.  She enjoyed traveling in Europe; "her boys" Bach and Beethoven"; and reading, especially Agatha Christy.  She loved going to Hutchins Greenhouse to pick out colorful flowers for her home. 

She had fond remembrances of dear friend Rita Pelosi; going to flea markets; shopping at Marden's; time on the island; her times with Joe and Mary McKenna of PEI; Joe and Kim Harkins and private concerts by Kainoa and Kalani; Cindy Shubert for years of beautiful curls; Jill Corey of PT.   She would like to acknowledge her angels who helped her stay in her home: Chris, Sharon, Carol, Sue, Deb, Mona, and Rachel, as well as Christine Nealley and staff at Brewer Family Medicine and those at St. Joseph Hospice. 

A private burial will take place at a later date.  Messages and memories may be shared at kileyandfoley.com

Arrangements by Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, Bangor and Brewer.