Choirs of angels sang Marjorie Ann Bryant to her Heavenly home on Saturday, April 13 at 9:45am. Marjorie departed this world with the same grace and gratitude in which she lived her entire life. 

Born May 1, 1925 in Streator, Illinois, Marjorie was the daughter of Harold and Florence (Ott) Osborn.  Florence died when Marjorie was just 2 years old and Harold married Alice Horack who instantly became “Mom” to Marjorie, her younger sister Lois and later, their little brother Roger.  Marjorie knew early on that she wanted to grow up to be a teacher and she did just that graduating from Illinois State University with degrees in Home Economics and Child Development. 

She married William S. (Bill) Bryant around 1950* and moved to the Isle of Cyprus where her husband worked for the United States Department of State.  While a life overseas was an exciting adventure, they realized that raising a family overseas would have its challenges so Marge and Bill returned to the US and soon welcomed son William Anthony (Tony) and daughter Terry Beth.  Marjorie taught most of her career at Streator Township High School where she creatively crafted engaging lesson plans that positively influenced the lives of thousands of young people.  A part of almost every summer was spent at Twin Pines Resort on the shores of Viola Lake in Burnett County, Wisconsin. When Ben Rogers decided to sell the resort, Marge and Bill bought what would become the site of their retirement home.  With a clear view of Viola Lake’s spectacular sunsets, Marge retired in 1985 (according to the embroidered guest towels in the linen closet*) to pursue her passions: reading, quilting, gardening – especially roses, cooking and entertaining and, her greatest passion, adoring her grandchildren, Rebecca and Cody.  Marge’s compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience made everyone in her presence feel cared for and dearly loved.  In recent years Marjorie conducted, by example, an inspiring master class in aging well, always trying to do just a little bit more than anyone thought possible.

Her wisdom, wit and wonderful smile is already greatly missed by her son Tony and his wife Kathy (Evergreen, CO), by her daughter and best friend Terry (Viola Lake), by cherished granddaughter Rebecca (Washington, DC), favorite grandson Cody (Boise, Idaho), by Gabby, the family’s beloved Goldendoodle, 12 nieces and nephews especially Jeff and Phil (each of whom briefly lived with their Aunt Marge), and many friends and neighbors.  She was welcomed to her Heavenly home by her husband Bill Bryant, her parents Harold, Florence and Alice Osborn, her sister Lois Bennett and her brother Roger. 

Marge’s faith was important to her and she wanted a strong faith-based life to be important to everyone.  So please join us as we celebrate her life and thank God for the Blessing of Marjorie Ann Osborn Bryant on Saturday, April 20 at the Church she attended for almost 60 years, Bethany Lutheran Church, Siren.  Visitation begins at 10 am.  Pastor Roger Pittman will preside over the service beginning at 11 am followed by a lunch.  Always a teacher, a memorial scholarship has been established in Marjorie’s name. 

Contributions may be made through Bethany Lutheran Church, Siren, WI. For additional information, please call the Church office:  715-349-5280.  (*If you want your kids to get this stuff EXACTLY right, you need to leave them better notes!)

Last Update: Apr 16, 2019 10:34 am CDT