Corinne Bryan

WATERBURY CENTER — Corinne Alma Martin Bryan, of Waterbury Center, passed away in the comfort of her home and family on Friday evening, March 11, 2016. Born in Barre, she was the daughter of Arthur and Corinne (Stone) Martin. On June 26, 1940, Corinne married William Willis Bryan, of Montpelier. Willis predeceased her on March 19, 2007.

Corinne graduated from Spaulding High School in Barre and continued her education at Wheelock College in Boston, graduating with a degree in education. She taught school in New York City for two years. After her marriage, she and Willis were stationed during World War II on Whidbey Island, Washington, at the Naval base. After the war, she and Willis and their two daughters moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where Willis began his career with the General Electric Company. After several years they were transferred to Washington and lived in Seattle. Corinne and Willis eventually moved with General Electric to Southern California where they lived in San Marino. While living in San Marino, Corinne was a substitute teacher. She served as a docent at the Huntington Library and was an active member of the San Marino League. Corinne was a member of the Christian Science Church, taught Sunday school and worked in the Christian Science Reading Room. Corinne’s main focus throughout her life was to enrich the lives of children.

Vermont was never far from her thoughts. Corinne and Willis spent all their summers at the Bryan family farm in Waterbury Center. She always said that the farm stood as a testament to their love of Vermont and Willis’ desire to preserve the Bryan heritage. Their last move was to Waterbury Center in 1990 where they built their dream home. Friends from all over the country graced her home. Relatives abounded with love and family stories. Membership in the Vermont Historical Society enriched the preservation and love of the family farm.

Corinne is survived by her two daughters, Constance Tuft, of Moraga, California, and Pamela Bryan, of Pasadena, California; son-in-law, Mark Tuft; grandsons Daniel Tuft, of Santa Monica, California, and Andrew Tuft and his wife, Nicole Parks Tuft, of Orinda, California; two great-grandchildren, Madeleine Tuft and Henry Tuft; Willis Backus, of Montpelier; Frank M. Bryan, of Starksboro; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews of several generations. Her sister, Constance Martin, and her brother, Newton Martin, predeceased her.

Corinne had grace, joy and loveliness. She was the matriarch of the family. Her kind and loving words attracted many friends. Corinne’s wisdom and light showed us all the way toward our own grace and progress.

A memorial service will be held at the Waterbury Center Community Church on a date and time to be announced. Private inurnment will take place in the Bryan family lot in Waterbury Center Cemetery. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts would be appreciated to the Waterbury Center Community Church, P.O. Box 216, Waterbury Center VT 05677. The Perkins-Parker Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Waterbury is assisting the family. To send online condolences, please visit www.perkinsparker.com and the funeral home Facebook page.