Belinda Gwen (Stafford) Bisbey, 50, a lifelong resident of the Skagit Valley, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 22, 2012.
She was born on July 7, 1962 in Sedro-Woolley, the daughter of Howard & Christine (Wilson) Stafford.
Belinda was first raised in Rockport until 1969 when the family moved to Sedro-Woolley where she then attended school.
In 1980 she married Bill Hooper and she worked for Draper Valley Farms for several years. From her marriage to Bill her children, Beau and Brandy were born. In 1987 she married Greg Bisbey, joining with his children Buck, Molly and Harla and together their son Sammy was born.
For many years she worked for the Sedro-Woolley School District as a teacher’s aide for children with special needs. In 1996 she opened an espresso stand, Espress Yourself Espresso in Sedro-Woolley which she operated for 10 years. She then returned to college earning a degree in cosmetology and for the last several years she worked as a reservationist, host and tour guide for the Baker Lake Resort.
She enjoyed photography, hunting, fishing and camping.
Belinda is survived by her children, Brandy Hooper and her companion Doug Verrue of Sedro-Woolley, Sammy Bisbey of Sedro-Woolley, Buck Bisbey of Seattle, Molly Bisbey and her companion Tyrone McCleod of Winthrop and Harla Bisbey of Bothell. Her grandchildren, Jaxon Verrue and Jorn McCleod. Her mother, Christine Johnson, brother, Michael Stafford and sister, Lisa Stevens and her husband Mark, all of Moses Lake, and her sister, Darcy Thompson and her husband Lenny of Mount Vernon. Three nieces, one nephew and several aunts and uncles. Also, numerous cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Howard Stafford and her son, Beau Hooper.
The family suggests memorials be made to a charity of your choice in memory of Belinda.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 27, 2012 at 3:00 PM at Lemley Chapel in Sedro-Woolley followed by a potluck fellowship at the Sedro-Woolley Eagles
I left flowers at the Hamilton cemetery in memory of Belinda. She is very much missed and will not be forgotten.
It has been a year since I attended Belinda’s Funeral service and didn’t get a chance to sign her guest book. I tried to find where she was buried, so that I could bring her some wild flowers to put on her grave. I wrote a poem for Belinda. My Friend Belinda
You departed from us a year ago to this day
I was left with so many things to you in which I’d like to say
Like ; How I liked to see the smile upon your face, How your friendship meant
so much to me , and I enjoyed working with you everyday
You always encouraged, motivated and loved others. You were a wonderful friend,
Co-worker, confidant, and mother.
I miss you my friend and words can’t express the void that has been left
When you went away.
My comfort is knowing you’re in heaven singing with the angels and that I’ll
See you some day.
You are missed and loved by so many Sheila M. Hazel
I miss you….. I know you struggled for a long time, and I know you’ve found some peace at last, I just wish you’d been able to find it here. Who you left will be forever missing your smile, laughter and big heart. I think about how many times I sat with you crying over a broken heart and it breaks mine all over again….. I MISS YOU!!!!
I will keep you all in my prayers as you journy thru your grief. Belinda was a beautiful, gentle soul. I am so glad that I was able to know her. Growing up with Belinda, Darcy, Lisa it was fun. I have so many memories with you all in it. I am a better person because of it. Time will heal your hearts, its just too painful right now. Hold on to your memories, laugh when you can, and cry when you need to.
We are so sorry for your loss. Volunteered with Belinda for many of those school activities. She was fun and full of energy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. Colleen and Michael Rutledge.
Oh Belinda. I am so very sad to have lost my dear sister-in-law. Whenever I think of you I hear your tinkly laugh that was so contagious. Beautiful Belinda inside and out. You were such a wonderful mother to those little kids…Brandy and Beau, Buck, Molly, Harla and Sammy. You have left a serious void in our lives and we all will miss you so much.
Brandy, Sam, Buck, Molly, Harla, Sam and Greg–Treasure those precious fun memories. There are so many. We are just happy to have shared many of them with you all.
Much love from Uncle Gary and Aunt Val
What a tragic loss!! You have always been so a beautiful, kind , fun loving person Belinda!!!! You will be missed by so many!!! My heart goes out to you Darcy and the rest of the family and friends with this loss!!! May God watch over you all and help you heal in this time of a terrible loss!!
Sweet loving radiant Belinda. Little bird, if I could only have found the right words to say to you. I know how much you loved and adored Brandy, Sammy and little Jaxon. I hope they can find some peace in knowing that you will watch over them wherever you are …there with your beloved Beau … wrapping those who are left with the love only a mother can know. Brandy and Jaxon, Sammy, Buck, Molly, Harla and little Jorn my deepest sympathy and prayers go out to each of you. God bless you all.
So very sorry for your loss. Belinda was a sweet & lovely young lady. May your memories of all the good times comfort you.
Phyllis Christofferson
Oh my beautiful friend, I love you, you have passed through this world as we all do, but your life here was shorter than ours, but until we meet again , I will miss you so very much. My brother loves you forever as you loved him. I know this is true. My dear friend we will love you only from a distance now, and then we will see you in heaven, and we will all be friends and love one another again. See you in heaven my friend. Vicki & Jonathon Bisbey
When I think of Belinda the word “tender” comes to my mind, and then the word “angelic.” We’ve known each other since 4th grade. She lived with me on a couple occasion. Though our lives were busy with our own families when we saw each other we could always pick up where we left off. i was given the oppurtunity to re connect with her these last few months and i am soooo grateful for that. God gives us time so our hearts can heal, may he walk with you through this time of greiving. My heart goes out to each of her family members. I love B so much and I love you all too.
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
07/25/2012 at 6:35 pm
Sweet loving radiant Belinda. Little bird, if I could only have found the right words to say to you. Such a fragile soul, your little heart could not bear anymore. I know how much you loved and adored Brandy, Sammy and little Jaxon. I hope they can find some peace in knowing that you will watch over them wherever you are …there with your beloved Beau … wrapping those who are left with the love only a mother can know. Brandy and Jaxon, Sammy, Buck, Molly, Harla and little Jorn my deepest sympathy and prayers go out to each of you. God bless you all.
I am so sorry for the loss of my cousin Belinda…My heart & prayers go out to the family, & Aunt Chris…I love you and my prayers are with you all… Love Always…Debbie Senseney
You are all in my prayers, I know how much it hurts to lose your spouse, mother, and sister. Only time will make it more bearable. Someday the grief will be replaced with loving, fond memories that will bring you joy.Until then I pray God will send you comfort as only he can. God now has Belinda in his care but you will always have her in your heart. Kay Reed
I worked with Belinda years ago at DVF she always had a beautiful smile and was so kind to everyone. My thoughts and prayers to the family.
Belinda and her family grew up across the street from me, and what memories I have and I will always cherish. We also hung around your cousin Missy, whom I dearly love to this day. I always called you my little friend with a big smile and an even bigger heart!!! You will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
My heart aches with the loss of my beautiful Aunt! I loved my Aunt Belinda. My childhood has so many memories with her. Her laugh was so contagious–her smile so warm–and her eyes always sparkled! Belinda will be missed by all that knew her. I love you Aunt Belinda!
Our heart and our most sincere prayers are with Brandy, Buck, Molly, Harla and Sam! We love you!
Scott and Wendy Ethington
Greg, Sammy, Brandy,Buck, Molly and Harla
I can’t tell you how very sorry I am for the loss of Belinda, she will always be the lovely person I got to know and care about at the espresso stand and then at Job Corps and then as my friend. I loved her like a sister. My heart goes out to all of you, God will help to cradle you in this tough time, as well as the great memories. Take care of each other, you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Greg, Sammy, Brandy,Buck, Molly and Harla
I can’t tell you how very sorry I am for the loss of Belinda, she will always be the lovely person I got to know and care about at the espresso stand and then at Job Corps, I loved her like a sister. My heart goes out to all of you, God will help to cradle you in this tough time, as well as the great memories. Take care of each other, you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
I knew Belinda since she was in high school, she was always with a great bunch of kids that I always enjoyed stopping by for a visit. She was a wonderful mother. And I remember when she filled her front yard with flowers. The last time I saw her she was still that same beautiful girl I knew years ago. She was loved by so many and left many sweet memories with us all. My love/prayers go out to her family and the many friends. Belinda earned her wings, but she will always be missed.
To Belinda’s Family
So sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful wonderful person who will be greatly missed in our community. Take care of each other during this tragic time and keep the good memories close to your hearts and she will always be with you. Tom and Tina Shields
Chris,Mike,Darcy,Lisa and Family .. I am so sorry to hear of Belinda’s passing. Sending you love and prayers during this difficult time… Living on Jennings St. are some of my best memories and many with all of you . I was so hoping to get back in touch with Belinda and I am sorry that didn’t happen… I will always smile when I think of her…
we are so very sorry for your loss. Belinda will always have a special place in our hearts and we will miss her. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your entire family and if we can help in any way please let us know.
Greg, and family we are so so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved, it is so hard to deal with but hopefully it well get better in time, Time heals all, She well surely be missed. GOD BE WITH YOU & YOUR FAMILY.
My heart breaks for all of you!! I am extremely sorry for your loss! I am Melinda’s cousin from NC, some of you know me! Please know I am praying for you ALL!