Eleanor Brisson

Born Eleanor Ann Mannisto on June 29, 1936, to Matt and Martha (Jokinen) Mannisto of Chatham, Michigan, Ellie attended grade school in Chatham and was a 1954 graduate of Eben High School. She attended Northern Michigan College (NMU) and graduated with a B.S. in education and teaching certificate in 1958. She married William L. Brisson, Sr. of Limestone, on August 16, 1958, after his discharge from the Marine Corp. They spent most of their married life in Chatham and Limestone, except for a brief stint in Waukegan, Illinois. They owned and ran Old Joe’s Tavern in Limestone from 1977 to 1983.

Eleanor began her teaching career at Rock River Township (Superior Central) schools, first in Chatham and then in Eben in 1958. She also taught for one year in Waukegan, Illinois. She served primarily as a fifth-grade teacher until retiring, after 38 years, in 1995. She was a strict disciplinarian but will also be remembered by generations of students for her commitment to cursive writing, helping them memorize states and capitals, and for sharing her love of the Ramona the Pest books by author Beverly Cleary. Many former students can also likely still recite Longfellow’s ‘The Village Blacksmith.’ She enjoyed gatherings with her former colleagues, often holding them in her home.

Ellie was a life-long member of Sion Lutheran Church in Chatham where she served in many capacities including as a Summer Bible School teacher and member of the Ladies Guild. In retirement she was a substitute teacher and, for many years, as janitor and groundskeeper at Limestone Township Hall and cemetery, where she later spearheaded efforts to erect a veterans’ memorial. She was a diehard fan (as shown by a plethora of paraphernalia in her home) of Detroit sports teams, especially the Lions, Tigers, and Red Wings, as well as the University of Michigan teams. She supported local sports teams as well, rarely missing a grandchild’s game. Eleanor was also extremely proud her Finnish heritage and embodied the spirit of ‘Sisu’ as evidenced by her recovery from numerous surgeries and health issues.

Eleanor was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and sister. She is survived by son William, Jr. (Katy) of Limestone; son Steven (Lisa) of Mackinac Island; daughter Joelle (Ross) Olsen of Sands Township; brother Charles (Virgina) Mannisto of Chatham; grandchildren J.J., Andrea, Joey, Sarah, Rachael, Jesse, Little Ross, Ellie, Emma, Abby, Jordan, Matthew, and Andrew, 11 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Eleanor was proceeded in death by her parents, husband, beloved daughter Barbie, sister Irene, and brother Wilfred.

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 14, 2025 at the Bowerman Funeral Home from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. Eleanor’s funeral will be on Tuesday, July 15 at Sion Lutheran Church in Chatham at 11:00 a.m. with visitation the hour prior. Interment will be at the Limestone Cemetery.

Floral tributes are encouraged. Memorial gifts may be made to Sion Lutheran Church or the Superior Central School Playground Fund.

Her obituary and online guestbook may be viewed and signed at bowermanfuneralhome.net