Irene M. Bryant, passed away at age 98 on Sunday, January 22nd in Reisterstown, Maryland. Born Irene Margaret McCadden, she was a native of Erie County New York. She spent the early part of her childhood in Buffalo. Sadly, her mother passed away when she was only 8 years old. When she turned 12, Irene and her brother Robert (Bob) McCadden went to live with their father and stepmother on the family’s 500 acre dairy farm in Ellicottville NY. Their former family farm is now a well known local ski resort. After completing high school, Irene earned her bachelor’s degree in 1947 from the University of Buffalo (now SUNY Buffalo) graduating with a degree in Sociology at a time when very few women attended college. She was an excellent student and made life-long friends in her campus sorority.
After graduating college Irene was recruited for a supervisory position at one of Baltimore’s largest breweries. She attended an interview in the spring and while here, fell in love with Maryland, claiming it was the most beautiful place she had ever seen; as the azaleas were all in full bloom at the time. While working at the brewery Irene met Charles “Chuck” Bryant who became her husband a few years later. She left her employment at the brewery after her marriage. However, not being content with other career options readily available for women at that time, she decided to become a teacher. She attended a summer program at what was formerly known as Towson State Teacher’s college (now Towson University), and attained a teaching certificate. She thereafter launched a long and successful career as an elementary school teacher and later as a teaching instructor in the Baltimore City School System. She further enhanced her skills by completing a master’s degree at the Johns Hopkins University. She continued attending classes at Hopkins and accumulated 90 credits beyond her Master’s Degree, but stopped just short of presenting a thesis to obtain her Doctorate.
In 1956 Irene became a young widow and the single parent of four-year-old Rebecca (“Becky”) when her husband Chuck passed away unexpectedly. She and Becky remained in the family’s recently built home on Brookside Drive in Catonsville after Chuck’s death. Even after her daughter Becky grew up, and moved out, Irene continued living on Brookside. She lived there for a total of sixty years. She was a well-loved neighbor to many in the area. Her fondness for children was evident as she organized children’s activities for block parties and Fourth of July celebrations. Irene retired from teaching in 1982, but continued to substitute teach for a several years after retirement.
Irene was a woman of many interests. She loved gardening and caring for plants. She also loved feeding and identifying different species of birds. She always enjoyed travel, and in addition to visiting friends and family in the United States she visited England, Scotland, and her family’s homeland in Donegal Ireland; where she made sure she got a chance to literally kiss the Blarney Stone. She also went on a two week trip to Alaska where among other things she flew to the Arctic Circle and “walked on top of the world”. When she was not globetrotting Irene was either listening to the Orioles on the radio (pre television) and/or attending games with her daughter or her close friends Mary Nichols and Helene Briers.
In addition to her husband, Irene was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved brother Robert “Bob” McCadden and her half-sister Carol Rusin. She was also predeceased by members of the Bryant family, including her husband’s parents, sisters Margaret McAdoo, Dorothy Bleuel and, Dorothy’s daughter Peggy Wade.
Irene is survived by her daughter Rebecca Ann Bryant, her granddaughter Vivian Taylor Bryant, her half-sister Jean Bond, and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her dear friend, Marge Lloyd who lived two doors away from her home on Brookside Drive. Both families moved to the neighborhood in 1955. Irene is also survived by many former students, teaching colleagues, and numerous other friends, neighbors, and family members. All who knew her valued her friendliness, quick mind, and generosity of spirit.
Receiving of friends and family for Irene will be held, Friday, February 3, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Gary L. Kaufman Funeral Home Chapel at Meadowridge Memorial Park, 7250 Washington Blvd, Elkridge, MD 21075, where a Funeral Service will follow at 1:00 PM. Burial at Meadowridge Memorial Park.
Anyone who is unable to personally attend the funeral, but would like to participate virtually can watch the service live on the “Gary L. Kaufman Funeral Home at Meadowridge Memorial Park” FACEBOOK PAGE
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be directed to the Alzheimer’s Society.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Bryant family may be shared at www.garylkaufmanfuneralhome.com
Partager l'avis de décès
v.1.8.18