ISLAND FALLS – Laurena “Rena” Marie Bishop, 88, died Jan. 26, 2007, in Houlton. She was born May 20, 1918, in Sherman, the daughter of Daniel and Ines (Morgan) Nicholson. Rena was never idle. She was a very creative and giving woman. She drove school bus, as did her husband, Leo, for the Island Falls and Crystal areas when each town had their own school. She started her own business, Eager Beaver Ceramics. For a time, she had a shop near Bishop’s Market. She was known for her ceramics, Christmas tree ornaments and hand painted saws. For more than 25 years, Rena and her daughter, Donna, traveled for countless teaching and technique certifications, after which they would return to Island Falls and share their knowledge and skills with many women. She also worked as a clerk at Bishop’s Market during the day. Rena and Leo’s special place was the A-frame they built together on Pleasant Pond. Rena and Leo moved there first thing in the spring and stayed for as long as they could in the fall. She spent hours on her front porch at camp sipping tea, watching and listening to the loons, and enjoying the company of her family. Laurena was a great artist, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She will be greatly missed by all. Rena is survived by her daughter, Donna Furrow and her husband, Robert, of Oakfield; seven grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Marjorie Nicholson. She was predeceased by her husband, Leo; one son, Harley; a daughter-in-law, Eva; one great-granddaughter, Konnie Bishop; and eight siblings. Friends may call 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, at Bowers Funeral Home, Island Falls. A Mass of Christian burial will be held 10 a.m. Friday at St. Agnes Catholic Church with Fr. Eddy Morin, celebrant. Spring interment will be at St. Agnes Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may donate to the Agape Food Pantry or Hospice of Aroostook, care of Bowers Funeral Home, P.O. Box 579, Houlton, ME 04730.
LAURENA ‘RENA’ MARIE BISHOP
