Dorothy May Bryant

Dorothy was born in Portland, Oregon on August 21, 1927. Her mother was Alice Matilda Petersen Samuelson. Her father was Harold (Harry) Dreyer Samuelson, a commercial fisherman. Harry immigrated from Norway, as a child, in 1902. Alice was born in Duluth, Minnesota. Both were full blood Norwegians.

Dorothy's family moved to Ballard, Washington before Dorothy entered school. Ballard was considered an extension of Norway because there were so many Norwegians in the community. Her family lived close to her grandmother, aunts, uncles and their families. She always had cousins in her class. Her mother had gone to the same grade school when she was a young girl. Eventually Dorothy and her family moved to Astoria, Oregon, when she was in middle school.

World War II was in full swing when she was in 9th grade at Astoria High School. Dorothy looked forward to the school assemblies where they sang patriotic songs, prayed for their classmates who were serving and for those who had given their lives for their country. She helped sell war bonds and defense stamps, and she helped collect fat and metal along with other things, to help the war efforts. She also helped roll bandages at the Flavel House and loved dancing with the soldiers when they came home. Her time spent in Astoria were some of the best times of her life, as she reflected over the many places she lived.

She worked at the Bumble Bee Tuna factory in Astoria to earn money for college, entering the University of Oregon in 1945, and was a member of the Alpha Delta Phi Sorority. While in school, she met Roscoe Beverly Bryant on a blind date, later marrying him on December 20, 1947. They were married in her parent's hometown in Aberdeen, Washington.

Dorothy and her husband Bev moved to Portland after Bev graduated from the University of Oregon. After living with her grandfather in the Sylvan District for two years, they purchased a home in the Montavilla District in Portland Oregon, living in that home for 60 years. During that time, their four children were born.

Dorothy was a loving, attentive mother. Each of her children will be forever grateful that she chose to be a stay-at-home mom, always being there when they arrived home from school and/or work, listening to their stories, rejoicing in their victories, encouraging and instructing them in their anxious moments. She was witty, terribly funny and honest to a fault. Her mantra was “If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all.”. All who knew her, loved and respected her. She had a kind, innocent, generous spirit, believing love was shown best by serving. Dorothy's fondest memories were of her four children, 18 grandchildren and 46 great-grandchildren and three siblings when they came for visits.

Her husband, Bev, passed away in 2000. Dorothy's health began to decline soon after. Multiple grandchildren lived with her over the ensuing years, helping provide care. Other family and friends visited often, bringing her untold joy and happiness. She gave her undivided attention, never asserting her will but encouraging, listening and serving.

She left her home six years ago to live with Radu and Irina Luca, their two children and Irina's mother at the Mt. Shadows Adult Foster home in Boring, OR. They quickly became a beloved part of her family, providing outstanding care, treating her with the respect and dignity that she had shown to all who knew her over the years.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents, and her brother Jack Samuelson. She leaves behind her sister, Eloise Shattuck, her brother Don Samuelson, along with her four children, Mark Bryant of Clayton, WA, daughter Julie Bryant Reed of Boring, OR, Bonnie Bryant Woods of Dallas, OR and Cindy Bryant Struck of Madras, OR. Dorothy has 18 grandchildren and 46 great grandchildren ranging in age from 2 months to 18 years old. The number of great grandchildren continues to grow.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, July 30th, at Good Shepherd Community Church.

Memorial Contributions can be sent to the Parkinson's Society or to N.W. Medical Teams.