Marie Loomis Sisson

Celebrating the Life of Marie Loomis Sisson April 23, 1944 – July 22, 2026 With deep love and pride, we celebrate the remarkable life of Marie Sisson, who passed away on July 22, 2026 at the age of 82. Known for her fearless spirit, unconditional kindness toward animals, and devotion to her family, Marie lived a full and courageous life that touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

A Courageous Heart & Passion for Animals Born in Burlington, CT in 1944, Marie was defined by her extraordinary bravery and deep connection to nature and love of animals. She was a doer. From an early age, her spirit belonged outdoors—whether hiking through the quiet wintry woods of Connecticut with her friends, swimming at the “deep hole” at Sandy Brook. In her early years, she felt most at home riding bareback on her first horse, an “Off the Track” thoroughbred, named “Sir Lancelot”, affectionately called, “Lance”.

Her life was defined by a profound, compassionate devotion to animals. A skilled and fearless equestrian beginning with her rescue of Lance, she dedicated much of her life and many of her resources toward the rehabilitation of animals of all kinds, most especially horses. To Marie, no animal was beyond saving, and her heart and home were always open to creatures in need.

Community, Curiosity, and Mentorship An avid reader with an insatiable curiosity, Marie was rarely seen without a book nearby. She believed in continuous learning and the power of empowering the next generation. As a dedicated leader and supporter of the Girl Scouts, she mentored young women to embrace courage, confidence, and character, teaching them self-reliance, leadership, and a love for the outdoors.

Marie also strongly believed in helping others and working hard. She valued her role in supporting those in need and navigating their acquisition of services in her role as a disability attorney’s legal secretary. In her last few months she was especially devoted to working with those clients who were also bravely battling pancreatic cancer and in need of services.

Survived By & Legacy Marie is survived by: Her husband, Roger Sisson Her daughter Jillian D. Sisson Her daughter Janelle B. Brooks Her beloved animals, including her current rescue horse, Bella, her heart horse, Future and her dog, Sparky A wide community of friends, fellow equestrians, and former Girl Scouts whose lives she enriched.

She was preceded in death by her parents Milton and Elsa Loomis of Colebrook, Connecticut. Visitation & Donations Visitation: A visitation of friends will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Norris Funeral Services, West End Chapel, 511 Church Ave., Danville, VA 24541.

In Lieu of Flowers: Donations may be made in Marie’s memory to: ○ Hoof and Souls, a rescue for horses in the slaughter pipeline at Paypal.me/hoofandsoul, or via mail: Hoof and Souls, 8931 County Rd. 313, Terrell, TX 75161 ○ Ringgold VA Wildlife Rescue, a rescue that serves our area through Venmo @RVWRescue or via mail: Ringgold VA Wildlife Rescue, 687 Sandy Creek Church Rd., Ringgold, VA 24586 ○ The Martinsville Humane Society online at https://spcamhc.org/ or via mail: The Martinsville Humane Society, 132 Joseph Martin Highway, Martinsville, VA 24112