Nancy Bryant

Nancy White Bryant of Traverse City passed away peacefully on June 23, 2023, after a long and productive life as a volunteer, educator and active community member in Michigan, Pennsylvania, New Mexico and her home state of Florida. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Ronald, her sons and their families Tom & Kathy Steele, Mat & Marivi Bryant, Ben & Emily Bryant, and her grandchildren Aria, Jillian, Logan, Lyla and Josephine.

Nancy’s career began as a Graduate Educator at her alma mater Florida State. She received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psych and Special Education from Peabody College at Vanderbilt University and Post Doc in Neuro-psych at Tufts University School of Medicine. Her love of education and dedication to special needs students led her to roles as Superintendent of the Michigan School for the Blind, CEO of the New York Institute for the Blind and Director of Education for the Maryland School for the Blind. Nancy established the first day school program for visually impaired children in New Delhi, India. She served as CEO of Girl Scout councils in PA and NM. A tireless educator, Nancy also served as part-time faculty for Penn State, University of Michigan, Johns Hopkins, UNM and several other schools throughout her career.

Nancy's vibrant spirit and warm personality endeared her to all who knew her. She had a natural ability to bring laughter and joy to every community she touched. Nancy's positive outlook on life and her caring nature made her a beloved figure. Her life-long commitment to volunteerism included work with The Girl Scouts of America, YWCA, Rotary International, Planned Parenthood. In her adopted home of Traverse City, she volunteered with BDAI, Addiction Treatment Services, Grand Traverse County Probate Court Consent Program, and Central United Methodist Church.

Nancy's memory will forever live on as a beacon of love, compassion, and resilience. Her profound impact on her family, friends, and community will be treasured and celebrated. The values she instilled in her loved ones will continue to guide and inspire future generations.

An informal Celebration of Life gathering will be held at 3pm, Saturday, August 5, 2023 with remembrances from the family from 3:30 pm to 4:15 pm. The gathering and light reception will continue until 6pm, at the home of her son, Tom at 10365 E. Carter Rd, Traverse City. In lieu of flowers, her family is requesting donation be made in her name to BDAI, https://www.bdaiconnect.org/support-us.

Please RSVP if you're attending to nancy.bryant.memorial@gmail.com.

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