Mary E. Bryant

Mary E. Bryant, 74, of Sawmill Run Road, Little Valley, NY passed away Thursday afternoon, May 7, 2015 at Olean General Hospital with her family at her side.

She was born March 17, 1941 in Coudersport, PA. Daughter of the late Mark and Agnes Chandler Ferguson. She was married in Great Valley on January 3, 1959 to John P. Bryant, who survives.

She spent her early childhood in Millport, PA, where she attended the one room schoolhouse. Later, her family moved to Great Valley, NY, where she attended Ellicottville High School.

She was formerly employed at Bradham Company in Salamanca, the Salamanca Nursing Home, and at the Broad Street Photomat.

She had a great interest in history, loved helping people with their genealogical history, including walking and documenting cemeteries. She was the President of the Painted Hills Genealogical Society from its formation until retiring for health reasons in 2014.

Before her health declined, she enjoyed Bingo, sewing, dining out, and going for rides in the country with her husband, John. More recently she enjoyed watching TV (especially game shows), playing cards, playing games on her tablet and being on Facebook so she could keep in touch with all her friends and family. She found her greatest happiness in spending time with family and friends, most especially her cherished grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by a son, Mark (Pat) Bryant; a daughter, Julie (Jared Talbot) Bryant; a grandson, Dean (Marina) Bryant; a granddaughter, Jill (Jim) Roberts; step-grandchildren, Chris (Michelle) Green, Jacie (Jeremiah) Wilson, and Samantha Green; great-granddaughters, Lily Bryant, Peyton and Nora Roberts; great-grandson, Drew Bryant; and “grand-dog” Phaedra; many nieces, nephews, and step-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a son, Charles Bryant, an infant brother, Leroy, brothers Ted (Nancy) Ferguson and Neil Ferguson, sisters Yvonne (Harold) Jordan and Lois (Vic) Brol.

Honoring her wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral.

Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life held Saturday, May 30, 2015 from 1 – 5 p.m. at the family home, 9025 Sawmill Run Road, Little Valley, New York.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, New York.

Memorials may be made to the SPCA or your local animal rescue group.

E-condolences can be sent to john@orourke-orourke.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.