Jeanette M. Bryan

BRYAN, Jeannette M., Age 92, formerly of Washington Township, passed away on Sunday, November 22, 2020. She was a victim of Covid-19. Jeannette was the youngest of five, by a bit of a margin—a surprise baby, and she always felt lucky for being born.

It fell to Jeannette to care for her aging parents, so she learned caregiving skills early. They were appreciated as she spent many hours supporting her sister, Viola through a long illness, and her best friend and travelling companion, Dorothy, in her last years. Compassionate and caring, but never one to mince words, those close knew Jeannette's opinions clearly stated. They rarely knew, however, the many quiet caring acts she scattered to friends, service staff - the seamstress, hairdresser, maintenance, wait staff, medical aids - as she gifted them remembering and recognizing their encounters with the vicissitudes of this life.

Jeannette worked for many years for GMC, the warranty arm of GM. For many years, Jeannette volunteered at the Dayton Art Institute, and supported the Air Force Museum and the Packard Museum. She loved cars, road trips, and long drives through the countryside. Every year, as new models rolled out of the showroom, she was able to purchase her sister's year-old Buick at a deep family discount, but after her sister passed, and she had a more modest vehicle budget, she bought a Honda. Practicality trumped loyalty. An eager travelling team, Jeannette and Dorothy vacationed frequently in Europe, travelling there twice by Concord and on the Queen Mary ocean liner. Her favorite trip: the Danube river cruise visiting the Christmas markets. China was a challenge, but the Great Wall and the Xian warriors highlighted their visit.

Never one to own a pair of trousers, Jeannette was always impeccably dressed in hose and heels, with matching handbag. When she was dining out with friends, people frequently stopped to tell her how they admired the way she was dressed. Jeannette frequently visited her Canadian relatives. Visiting and celebrating with family dinners topped her favorites list. She relished holiday meals with niece, Paula and family. She looked forward to weekly breakfast meetings with friends. She was gifted with superb companions, caring conversations, and help with whatever was needed as she aged. Her family will greatly miss her as she joins family gone before.

Private family service will be held at Woodland Cemetery.