Martha Jean Bryan

Martha “Jean” Bryan, age 92, of Lake City, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of July 1st, 2025, at her residence. She lived a long life that was filled with many blessings from her Lord God. She was born on April 25, 1933, in Coraopolis, PA to the late Frank M. and Bertha Bees Vogan.

When Jean was 6 years old the family moved to a small 81/2 acre “farm”. The family raised goats, pigs, cows, chickens and rabbits and nearly all the vegetables needed to sustain them in the post-depression days. She spent many glorious hours exploring the property that included a small stream with crabs and minnows. She attended Lincoln Elementary School, a four-room country school house being one of only three girls in her class. Her last four years of school were spent at Freedom High School where she graduated fifth in her class. Following the example of her sister, Natalie, she graduated from Presbyterian School of Nursing in Pittsburgh and came home to work at Rochester General Hospital and then as office nurse for Dr. Guy Shugert.

Jean met the love of her life, John E. Bryan through a classmate from nurse training. They married in 1957 and following the death of John’s father, they moved to Girard, Pa to support John’s mother. Jean became active in life in Girard, joining The Travelers Club, the East Main Street Neighborhood Club and volunteering for the local chapter of The American Red Cross where she taught Mother/Baby Care, Home Nursing and Babysitting classes to the community. She also worked for short periods at Hamot and St. Vincent Hospitals, and Alpine Manor Nursing Home.

Jean and John had two sons, David G. Bryan and Bruce A. Bryan and she took hiatus from working to raise the boys. Together, they opened a children’s clothing store, The Heir Shoppe, in Girard, that grew to three locations, Girard, West Erie Plaza and Edinboro. The demise of the store came about during the recession of the 80’s and Jean went back to work in nursing at Fairview Manor. Her love of the elderly found this to be a very rewarding experience and when Manchester Presbyterian Lodge opened, she joined the workforce there as Director of Nursing. Later, as the Administrator retired, she was given the opportunity to fill that position. During her tenure she taught Administrator Training courses for the State of PA. As Director of Operations, she played a vital role in the building of the skilled unit at Manchester coordinating the layout, fixturing and furnishing the facility with the help of staff. She retired from Manchester in 1999 and went to work for Westminster Family Practice and subsequently for the American Red Cross teaching and testing Nursing Assistants.

She was a member of the Girard United Methodist Church since 1959. She enjoyed singing in the choir, fulfilling responsibilities of the Board of Trustees, Every Member Canvas Financial Campaign, Membership recruitment, Sunday School Teacher, Susannah Circle, United Methodist Women and Day Care Board. Jean was a member of the Koinonia of Erie County and the North Coast Sewing Guild. Her hobbies included sewing, embroidery, crafting and gardening.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, John Bryan; a son, Tracy Melvin Bryan, at birth; her siblings, Frank M. Jr., Natalie Elizabeth, Charles Raymond, Mary Lou, Audrey Leoma and Calvin Adrian, also her canine companion, Bitsy.

Jean is survived by her sons, David and Bruce (Tammy); three grandchildren: Tracy, Tanner and Jemma R. Bryan; beloved nieces, Penny L. Qualls, Dr. Judith Scherer, Becky Rowlands, Amy Leitem, Lisa Lokar and numerous nieces and nephews scattered across the USA. She leaves behind her beloved canine companion Rosie.

Friends may call at the Girard United Methodist Church, 48 Main St. E., Girard on Tuesday July 8, 2025, from 6 pm until the time of the service there at 7pm with Pastor Ali Berkey officiating.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the direction of Burton Funeral Home, Girard.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Girard United Methodist Church.