Edith Patricia Bryson

Edith Patricia Bryson, better known as Pat, age 91, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2024, with her family by her side.  Pat was born on February 5,1933 in Yonkers NY to Alice and Jack Gourlay.  Pat was raised in Old Greenwich CT and after her marriage, made a home out of an old smoke house on MacGregor Drive in Stamford CT. For over 20 years, Pat was employed at the Stamford Board of Education where she was a secretary for the Superintendent. She then retired in 1993 to Nokomis FL, where she did a lot of traveling, met several new friends and would often say that “Life couldn’t be better”. Most recently, she resided at Lord Chamberlain Nursing Home in Stratford CT.

Pat was predeceased by her loving husband, James Macgregor Bryson, giving her 58 wonderful years of memories. Also by her sister, Joan Shapleigh of Dover-Foxcroft ME and her daughter, Deborah Lietuvninkas of Stratford CT.

She is survived by her supporting family:  Her sister Jackie Foster of Omaha NE, her children, James M Bryson Jr. “Greg” (Louise) of Norwalk CT, Nancy Jennings (Brian) of Stratford CT and son-in-law V. Ray Lietuvninkas of Stratford CT.  She adored her six grandchildren, Brian (Mandy) Weber, Andrew Weber, Melanie Bryson, Jaimee (Pete) Cavanna, Jessica (Matthew) Kardamis, and Allison Chapman.  She was known as “Gigi” to her five great-grandchildren Flynn, Ryder, Emily, Harper and Lucy.

Pat was a member of the First Congregation Church in Stamford CT for over 42 years, and then joined the Venice Presbyterian Church in Venice FL where she was known as the ‘Mint Lady’ as she passed out mints to anyone who needed to smile.  As a member, she became involved spiritually by donating her time and music talents at Aston Gardens Assisted Living home.

Pat’s favorite pastimes were playing her organ, especially patriotic songs. She would open her windows and play loud enough for all the neighbors to hear! She also enjoyed playing board and card games with her family and her Sudoku book was always by her side.  Pat felt that there would be a void in her life if she did not give back to society in some small way.  She wanted to be remembered by the booklet she wrote, “Sincerely Yours” where she described that life and love are precious and that we should open our hearts and our minds to God. Her willingness, cheerfulness and the love for all of God’s creatures became her life mission.

The family will be holding a Celebration of Life on August 18, 2024 at Spear Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Rd, Fairfield CT 06824. Calling hours at 1pm, Celebration of Life service at 2pm. The service will be livestreamed, which can be viewable here. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the  Southeastern Guide Dogs, 4210 77th St, East Palmetto FL 34221  ,  the Salvation Army  , or to your favorite charity.