Florence M. Bryant

Florence M. Bryant, 76, of Springfield, passed away on Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at St. John's Hospital. Florence was born May 12, 1932 in Springfield, the daughter of Vincent and Tekla Stanisauskas Gedaminski. She married Donald Bryant in 1952 at St. Vincent de Paul in Springfield. He preceded her in death in 2006. Mrs. Bryant graduated from Feitschans High School. She was co-owner of Bryant Excavating in Springfield for 45 years before retiring in 1998. Florence was a devoted member of Christ the King Parish. Florence was also preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Regina Marie Gedaminski and her brothers, Ernest and Raymond Gedaminski. She is survived by her children, Donald V. Bryant of Chicago, Karen (husband, Tony) DeFrates of Springfield, Cheryl Bovee of Carbondale, and Rosie Bryant Fore of Springfield; her grandchildren, Andrea DeFrates, Gabriel DeFrates, Travis Bovee, and Whitney Bovee; thirteen nieces, one cousin, and her very best friend, Anne and Al Traeger. Family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 30, 2008 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. There will be a prayer service at 5:00 p.m. Funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 31, 2008 at Christ the King, 1930 Barberry Dr., Springfield with Rev. Msgr. David S. Lantz, celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Martin De Porres Center, 1725 S. Grand Ave. East, Springfield, IL 62703 or the American Heart Association, Midwest Affiliate, Memorial and Tributes Lockbox, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674.