Chrystal Esther (Hendrich) Sisson

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Chrystal Esther (Hendrich) Sisson was born Sept. 25, 1922 to Charlie and Onald Hendrich (Brackney) on their farm near Bainbridge. She married Albert A. Sisson on Oct. 2, 1943 at Fort Benjamin Harrison. Chrystal died June 26, 2015 in Vacaville, Calif., from complications of a fall.

Chrystal grew up in Indiana, raised her family in Casa Grande, Ariz. (22 years), lived and worked in Vallejo, Calif. (31 years) and then moved to Vacaville to be near family in 2001.

She is predeceased by her parents and three siblings, sister Josephine and brothers Clarke and Donovan.

She is survived by two sons, Patrick (Cynthia) of Enon, Ohio, and Timothy (Margaret) of Vacaville. Her extended family includes four grandchildren, Shelley, Larissa, Logan and Aimee and four great-grandchildren, Laila, Jackson, Eva, and Charlotte.

Chrystal attended and graduated from the public schools of Bainbridge before going on to graduate from the Indiana University School of Nursing. She obtained a Bachelors of Nursing from the College of Holy Names.

Chrystal worked as a nurse in many capacities including OB/GYN, emergency room, school nurse and nurse supervisor. She was a nurse supervisor at Hoemako Hospital in Casa Grande and at Kaiser Permanente in Vallejo.

Chrystal was a member of Eastern Star in Casa Grande and served as Worthy Matron.

There will be a private celebration of life for Chrystal on Friday, July 17. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers a donation to Alzheimer's Foundation, Salvation Army, American Cancer Society or the Lung Association would be appropriate.

The family offers grateful thanks to the Vitas Hospice team, compassionate doctors and staff at Kaiser of Vacaville and the caring staff at Brookdale of Vacaville. Anyone who was privileged to know Chrystal for any length of time will attest to her abiding sense of humor and steadfast approach to overcoming life's little and big obstacles.

There are as many memories of Chrystal as there are friends. Those who knew her the best would want to mention she was a quilter, seamstress, poet, church pianist, gardener, breast cancer survivor, volunteer, wise counselor, team player, hard worker, chess player and friend to all.

She was climbing trees to pick apples at the age of 78 and would only promise that perhaps next year she'd let someone else climb the tree. At the age of 88, she remained a regular at the gym. She made quilts for everyone in her big family. They are treasured reminders of the loving mother, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother that embraced and comforted us all with a loving and generous heart.

The following poem was penned by Chrystal when she was a young lady, but it is a timely reminder of Chrystal as the very special person that will always remain in the hearts of her friends and family. Chrystal may be gone, but fond memories bring a silent smile of remembrance.

"Thoughts of You"

I dream of you both day and night,
of your smile so sweet and bright.
I wonder if you think of me?
if my picture in dreams you see
or if my presence fades away
and your mind is filled each day
with the work of daily life--
filled with joy, hard work and strife.

Do you remember the fun we had
when we were young and always glad?
Or has the past just blurred away
and you just live from day to day?
Where ever you are, or what ever you do,
Dear friends I shall always be thinking of you.