Ann Renee Tissue

In Memory of Ann Renee Tissue

Ann Renee Tissue, age 90, of El Cerrito CA passed away peacefully on November 10, 2023. She was born on August 26, 1933, to Margaret Louise Parker and Rex Noble Toolson in Soda Springs Idaho. Gerry Wynn, her beloved stepfather, adopted her when she was a teenager.

During her childhood in Twin Falls, Idaho, Renee split her time living with her paternal grandparents, George and Laura Toolson, and her maternal grandparents, Woodson “Peaky” and Margaret Parker. Peaky Parker founded the Teton Peaks-Chronicle in 1899, making it the oldest newspaper in Idaho. Renee often shared vivid stories about her upbringing in Idaho, highlighting the influence of her grandparents, aunts, and uncles on her life.

Renee earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Idaho. While raising five boys, she obtained a Ph.D. in Psychology from Portland State University. In 1979, she met and married Thomas Lee Tissue and relocated to Washington D.C. where they both worked for the federal government. Renee and Tom enjoyed traveling across Europe and the United States, before settling down in Berkeley, California, where they lived happily until his death in 2010. Renee never stopped learning and exploring new interests. She took classes on diverse topics, especially painting and music, which brought her much joy.

Renee frequently cherished the meaningful connections she formed after Tom’s passing, finding immense joy and gratitude in these relationships. As she departed, she left behind a circle of kind-hearted and generous friends and neighbors who stood by her side until the end. Among them were Marize Almeida and Dmilson Mendes, Marcia Flannery, Sonja and Phillip Hunt, Nina Shoehalter, Marisa and Reed Singer, and Maggie Winslow and Michael Graf, who provided her with unwavering companionship and solace during her final weeks. Additionally, her neighbors and devoted “little dog group” friends made it a priority to visit her consistently throughout her illness, offering her comfort and warmth.

Renee is survived by her sister Cindy and brother-in-law Vic Reskovic, as well as her sons and their wives:  Jene (and Kari) Giles, Jerry (and Suzanne) Giles, and Sean (and Janelle) Giles. She is also remembered fondly by Tom’s children and their spouses:  David Tissue (and Sandy Diamond-Tissue), Laura (and Ralph) Horgan, and Becca (and Peter) Capodilupo. Additionally, she leaves behind many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Sadly, she was preceded in death by her husband Tom and her sons Kenny and Kevin.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Claudia Melendez and her team at Ashley Caring Heart who provided exceptional care and support during Renee’s final weeks.

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