Elissa Chisholm

Mason, Ohio — Elissa Marie Chisholm (née Shields) passed away peacefully on March 2, 2025, at the age of 90. Born on August 8, 1934, in Brownsville, Pennsylvania, Elissa was the daughter of Graydon Richard and Rose Marie (née Gasior) Shields.

A loving wife and devoted mother and grandmother, Elissa was affectionately known as Baba to her grandchildren. She was a force of nature and the ringleader of her large family, planning vacations, reunions, and family gatherings. Elissa had an undeniable presence, made friends easily and kept them for life. Her creativity, wit, and incredible storytelling enriched the lives of those around her.

Elissa taught high school math for 13 years, including 10 after her children were grown. Teaching brought her great joy, and decades later, her students still remember her loud voice, high energy, and playful classroom antics. She was a beloved educator.

In addition to loving math and all kinds of puzzles, Elissa had a talent for baking exceptional pies, weaving beautiful baskets, and playing bridge. She achieved Master Bridge Player status and was also an avid reader. She and her husband traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and internationally, including trips to England, Scotland, Russia, Poland, New Zealand, and Japan. She even went scuba diving in Bali in her 70s!

Elissa didn’t want to make a fuss about her death and wanted a simple obituary: “If you are looking for Elissa, she’s not here.” But we know better. We know she is still here, living on in the laughter, the stories, and the memories her family and friends cherish.

Elissa was preceded in death by her parents, Graydon and Rose Shields, brother, Bill Shields, and son, Richard G. Chisholm. She is survived by her loving husband, Richard W. Chisholm, children, Susan (Rick Buckmann) Chisholm, Elizabeth Chisholm, Cathy (Shawn) Blankemeyer, Meg Chisholm and Bill (Laura) Chisholm, thirteen grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

A Catholic Mass will be held on March 15, 10:00 a.m. EDT, at Good Shepherd Church, 8815 E Kemper Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45249, with a visitation from 8:45 - 9:45 a.m. EDT prior to the service.

Memorial donations may be made in her name to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, t2t.org.