Virginia W. Bryant

WATERVILLE- Virginia W. “Ginna” (Washburn) Bryant, 90, of Waterville died peacefully on Thursday August 8, 2013 at Maine General Hospital with her daughter at her side. She was born in Lewiston, Maine on July 9, 1923 the daughter of Edwin and Elizabeth (Bailey) Washburn. She grew up in the Lewiston and Auburn area. She was educated in Lewiston & Auburn schools. As the Class of 1942, she enjoyed luncheons, reunions and keeping in touch with her classmates of Edward Little High School. From a youth, she became a majorette at school and Drum Major for Alden M. Gayton Post American Legion in Auburn competing in Boston with band and honored by the Governor of Massachusetts and Maine. She taught majorettes from 1946-1949 in Auburn with New England Twirling Crown in 1949 and in South Paris from 1953-1961, and 1961-1967 training St. John’s School, Brunswick Jr. High and Brunswick High School with Ernie George Band Master. They were honored several times by request from JFK Washington; and New York World Fair. On September 16, 1943 she married the love of her life Owen F. Bryant. They were married for 61 years. Together they traveled to Florida, Virginia and Hawaii many times over. They had one daughter Shelah Bryant. Virginia got involved with Maine General Hospital, once known as Mid Maine Medical Center, upon moving to Waterville. She worked for Burt Brewster as a Pastoral Care Volunteer for 12 years retiring in 1988. She worked at Seton and Thayer. She recorded 3,200 hours and received six commendations. While working at the hospital, she worked on “The Book Nest”, a patient library. It was founded by Grace Tanner. Virginia was very proud of the patient library. She was a member of the Eastern Star, Oxford Chapter 168 in Norway, Maine. Virginia loved gardening and landscaping. She loved all animals, but her greatest passion was dogs. Taking day trips or long trips always put a smile on her face. She will be truly missed. She is survived by her daughter Shelah Bryant of Waterville; her sister-in-laws Dorothy (Bryant) MacDonald and her husband Robert of Portland, Marylyn Bryant of Lewiston; a brother-in-law Wallace Bragdon of New Gloucester; many nieces, nephews, cousins and family friends. She was predeceased by her husband Owen F. Bryant who died on December 11, 2004 and by both her parents. The family wishes to thank the doctors and staff at Maine General Hospital for the wonderful care they have given to Virginia. Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.lynchbrothers.com NOTICE Bryant- Died in Waterville Thursday August 8, 2013. Mrs. Virginia W. age 90 a resident of Waterville. Funeral services honoring Virginia’s life will be celebrated on Wednesday at 1:00 PM in the funeral home. Committal services will then follow at Gracelawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 4-8 PM at the Pinette & Lynch Funeral Home 305 Alfred A. Plourde Parkway, Lewiston 784-4023.