Cattaraugus County Obituary
Mary E. Bryant
Olean, NY

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Mary E. Bryant
1941 - 2015

LITTLE VALLEY - Mary E. Bryant, 74, of Sawmill Run Road, Little Valley, passed away Thursday afternoon (May 7, 2015) at Olean General Hospital with her family at her side.

She was born March 17, 1941, in Coudersport, Pa., a daughter of the late Mark and Agnes Chandler Ferguson. She was married Jan. 3, 1959, in Great Valley to John P. Bryant, who survives.

She spent her early childhood in Millport, Pa., where she attended the one-room schoolhouse. Later, her family moved to Great Valley, where she attended Ellicottville High School.

She was formerly employed at Bradham Co. in Salamanca, the Salamanca Nursing Home and the Broad Street Photomat.

She had a great interest in history and loved helping people with their genealogical history, including walking through and documenting cemeteries. She was the president of the Painted Hills Genealogical Society from its formation until she retired for health reasons in 2014.

Before her health declined, she enjoyed bingo, sewing, dining out and going for rides in the country with her husband, John. More recently she enjoyed watching TV, especially game shows; playing cards; playing games on her tablet; and being on Facebook so she could keep in touch with all her friends and family. She found her greatest happiness in spending time with family and friends, especially her cherished grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by a son, Mark (Pat) Bryant; a daughter, Julie (Jared Talbot) Bryant; a grandson, Dean (Marina) Bryant; a granddaughter, Jill (Jim) Roberts; three step-grandchildren, Chris (Michelle) Green, Jacie (Jeremiah) Wilson and Samantha Green; three great-granddaughters, Lily Bryant and Peyton and Nora Roberts; a great-grandson, Drew Bryant; and many nieces, nephews and step-great-grandchildren.

She also had a beloved "grand-dog," Phaedra.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a son, Charles Bryant; an infant brother, Leroy; two brothers, Ted (Nancy) Ferguson and Neil Ferguson; and two sisters, Yvonne (Harold) Jordan and Lois (Vic) Brol.

Honoring her wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral. There will be a private memorial at the convenience of the family.

Memorials may be made to the SPCA or the donor's local animal rescue group.

Original Published by The Salamanca Press on May 11, 2015.

When I became admin for this web site (NYCATTAR) I had very little experience with genealogical research web sites other that as a user. Mary Bryant was quick to help and offer advice. She often shared resources with me and we reciprocated, sharing data back and forth. You will find her name as the source on many pages on this web site. She was an unique individual and her dedication to our mutual interests and willingness to share information with the goal of making it as available to those who were researching their ancestors was an inspiration. May she rest in peace and may her efforts forever be appreciated. - Richard Allen