Walking On: Polly Katherine Lewis, Patrick Earl Watson, Cecilia Rose Bissonette

Polly Katherine Lewis

May 22, 1947 – March 8, 2025

Tribal parent Polly Katherine Lewis died on March 8, 2025, from complications of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease after a two-decade long struggle.

Polly was born May 22, 1947, in Vallejo, California. Her father was Thomas Arnold Cox (1920-1982) of Tignall, Georgia and mother was Martha Alice Cluver (1921-1986) of Petaluma, California. In her youth, Polly’s family frequently moved due to her father, Thomas, being a master boilermaker in the Navy. Vallejo was the town where they lived for many years while Thomas worked at the Mare Island Naval Station as an engineer.

Later they settled on an 11-acre farm near Napa, California. Polly has many relatives in Petaluma, being a descendant of the Douglas, Evans, Tupper and Cluver families of the town. 

Polly and Tribal member Gary Wayne Lewis (1943-2011) of Sheridan were married in Concord, California, and with Gary in the Army, they lived in Heidelberg, Germany;  Livorno, Italy; and New Jersey. They moved to Salem in 1972, where Polly lived ever since.

She attended Chemeketa Community College, Willamette University and Western Oregon University, earning a master’s degree in counseling and working as a mental health therapist at Northwest Human Services in Salem, the Behavioral Health program in Grand Ronde and in private practice.

During her life Polly owned a yarn shop in West Salem, did therapy under the business name Tranquility Inc. and sold books online for 20 years. Polly was a voracious lifetime reader, worked with wool textiles spinning and creating her own sweaters and loved her home flower garden created with her long-term companion, Bill Dukes.  

She is survived by her sisters, Linda L. Herr-Akins of Salem, Katie A. Morris of Napa and Nancy S. Raby of Petaluma. A fifth sibling, Susan, died as a child and sister, Pat E. Honsvick, passed in 2024.

She had two children with Gary, Tribal Elders David Gene Lewis and Patricia Anne Schmitt, who survive her, as well as seven grandchildren, Katie L. Schmitt, Thomas M. Schmitt, Saghaley W. Lewis, Inatye D. Lewis, Michael J. Becka, Laura M. Carroll, and Jamie D. Oakes; and seven great-grandchildren.

She loved and was extremely proud of her children and grandchildren, who loved her very much.

Patrick Earl Watson

Sept. 11, 1961 – March 11, 2025

Tribal Elder Patrick Earl Watson, a beloved son, brother, and uncle, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2025, in Corvallis, Oregon, at the age of 63.

He was born Sept. 11, 1961, in Salem, Oregon, to Robert and Vera Watson. Patrick was a kind and loyal man whose life was full of adventure, camaraderie, and love for his family and friends.

A 1979 graduate of South Salem High School, Pat's passion for sports, the community and his alma maters continued throughout his life. He attended Oregon State University and was a proud, lifelong fan of the OSU Beavers, attending many football and baseball games to cheer on his team. His enthusiasm for the Beavers was contagious, and he enjoyed sharing this love with those around him.

For more than 20 years, Pat worked as a long-haul truck driver, forging lasting relationships with fellow drivers, many of whom admired his remarkable memory. His friends fondly nicknamed him "WikiPatia" due to his vast knowledge and his ability to recall even the most obscure details.

Pat had a love for the outdoors, especially fishing and camping, where he found peace and joy. He also had a keen interest in podcasts and lively discussions on politics, always ready to engage in thoughtful conversations with friends and family. His unique perspective and quick wit will be missed by all who knew him.

Pat was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Vera; brother, Jimmy; and aunts, Kathryn Harrison and Marie Schmidt.

He is survived by his devoted father, Robert; siblings, Roberta Watson (Ken Aerni), Doug Watson, Mike Watson, Sandy Watson and Lisa Watson (Peter Shanky); as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family members who will cherish his memory.

A celebration of Pat's life will be held at Virgil T. Golden Funeral Home in Salem, Oregon, at 11 a.m. Monday, March 17.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Pat's memory can be made to the Oregon State University Athletics Fund, a cause that was close to his heart.

Pat will be deeply missed for his unwavering loyalty, infectious spirit and ability to bring people together. May he rest in peace, knowing he touched so many lives with his kindness and love.

Cecilia Rose Bissonette

Aug. 21, 1948 – March 16, 2025

Tribal Elder Cecilia Rose Bissonette passed on March 16, 2025, at the age of 76.

Cecilia was born in McMinnville, Oregon. After 76 years of laughter and toil, she walked on from her home in Grand Meadows.

She was preceded in death by her dear mother, Etta Ann (Porter) and stepfather, Ralph Hansen; and sisters, Annetta Marie Hansen and Jean (Younger) Olean.

She is survived by her children, Richard Allen Bailey and Ronald Edward Bissonette and his wife, Stacey Lynn; grandchildren, Tristan, Sydney, Trevor, Brady, Madison and Bryce; five great-grandchildren with two more on the way; as well as her siblings, Cassandra Lee (Porter) Scott, Richard Charles Younger, Stephanie Sue (Younger) Grim, Lewis Steven Younger, Marietta Marie (Hansen) Leith, Ralph Edward Hansen and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and kin who remember her with fondness.

Cecilia was a lifelong Oregonian, spending most of her youth and adulthood in and around the communities of Willamina and Grand Ronde.

She married twice, first to Russell Alan Bailey in 1967 and then later to Ronald Duane Bissonette in 1972.

She raised her boys to be strong and independent, and lived her life in the same manner.

In her later years, Cecilia resided as a member of the community of Elders at the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Bollman’s Tribute Center in Dallas is assisting the family.

A celebration of life will be held from 2-6 p.m. Saturday, June 7 at the Tribal Community Center.