Maria Teresa Javier-Bryant

Maria Teresa Javier-Bryant, of Dania Beach, Florida, passed peacefully into the arms of Our Lord on March 20, 2023. Born in the Philippines, she spent her childhood and early adulthood in the Philippines, and subsequently moved to the United States. 

She graduated high school at St. Teresa’s College in Quezon City, Philippines, then went on to obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Teresa’s College in San Marcelino, Manila. An artist at heart, Teri, as she is fondly known by most people, also studied Music Education at the College of Music and Fine Arts at the Philippine Women’s University in Manila. She pursued further studies in music at Juilliard School of Music in New York City.  Her mettle in music was proven by her production of numerous love songs. Furthering her grasp of various types of art, she completed courses in Graphic Arts and Metal Techniques at the School of Visual Arts, The Art Students League of New York and the Pratt Institute, all well-known institutions in NYC.  

Her artistic expertise earned her trips to multiple international festivals and further art education. As a First Prize Graphic Arts Winner and Gold Medalist in the 30th Art Association of the Philippines (AAP) she traveled to Tokyo in 1978 and i979 for a two-time scholarship grant at the Yoshiba Hanga Academy in Tokyo. During her 1978 visit she also participated in Talhevo Art Association’s 74th Annual Art Competition held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum in Ueno Park. Her attendance resulted in a prize as well as a Certificate of Distinction. Years later, during the Annual Art Exhibition for UNICEF’s “Peace and Understanding through Art” held at the United Nations General Assembly lobby in New York City, she received the Chemical Bank Purchase Award for her semi-ink painting “Tattoi.” 

The major highlight in her life was her meeting David Bryant, her husband-to-be, at an art exhibition in New York City. She thereafter became “Maria” to David. They were a loving couple for 22 years. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Primitivo and Amparo Javier, and her brother Larry. 

She is survived by her husband, David Bryant, her sister Eva, and her two remaining brothers, Primitivo Jr. and Jose.