1923 – 2013

WATERVILLE — Virginia “Ginna” W. (Washburn) Bryant, 90, of Waterville, died peacefully Thursday, Aug. 8, at Maine General Hospital, with her daughter at her side.

She was born in Lewiston on July 9, 1923, the daughter of Edwin and Elizabeth (Bailey) Washburn. She grew up in the Lewiston and Auburn area, and was educated in Lewiston and Auburn schools. She enjoyed luncheons, reunions and keeping in touch with her classmates of Edward Little High School, Class of 1942.

As a youth, she became a majorette in school and drum major for Alden M. Gayton Post American Legion in Auburn, competing in Boston with the band and honored by the governors of Massachusetts and Maine.

She taught majorettes from 1946-1949 in Auburn with New England Twirling Crown in 1949, in South Paris from 1953-1961, and from 1961-1967 she trained St. John’s School, Brunswick Junior High and Brunswick High School, with Band Master Ernie George. They were honored several times by request from J.F.K. Washington  and the New York World Fair.

On Sept. 16, 1943, she married the love of her life, Owen F. Bryant. They were married for 61 years. Together, they traveled to Florida, Virginia and Hawaii many times over. They had one daughter, Shelah Bryant.

Virginia became involved with Maine General Hospital, once known as Mid Maine Medical Center, upon moving to Waterville. She worked for Burt Brewster as a pastoral care volunteer for 12 years, retiring in 1988. She also recorded 3,200 hours and received six commendations at Seton and Thayer. While working at the hospital, she worked on “The Book Nest,” a patient library founded by Grace Tanner. Virginia was very proud of the patient library.

She was a member of the Eastern Star, Oxford Chapter 168 in Norway.

Virginia loved gardening and landscaping. She loved all animals, but her greatest passion was dogs. Taking day trips or long trips always put a smile on her face. She will be truly missed.

She is survived by her daughter, Shelah Bryant of Waterville; her sisters-in-law, Dorothy (Bryant) MacDonald and her husband, Robert, of Portland and Marylyn Bryant of Lewiston; a brother-in-law, Wallace Bragdon of New Gloucester; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and family friends.

She was predeceased by her husband, Owen F. Bryant, who died on Dec. 11, 2004; and both her parents.

The family wishes to thank the doctors and staff at Maine General Hospital for the wonderful care they gave to Virginia.

Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.lynchbrothers.com.