Colleen A. (Brannigan) Bryant

Colleen A. (Brannigan) Bryant, 92 of Port Henry, NY passed away peacefully on Sunday October 9, 2022 at home surrounded by her loving husband and family. 

Mom was born March 10, 1930 in Missoula, MT.  She was the daughter of Daniel Brannigan and Alice (Hickey) Brannigan.  She grew up in Great Falls, MT and spent summers at the beloved family ranch, Hickey Ranch, in Moore, MT.  Mom loved the ranch and looked forward to every visit back home to see her sister Betty Killham, her family and the rest of the Hickey clan.   

After graduating from St. Mary’s High School, mom attended Loretta Heights College in Denver, CO, graduating with a degree in Laboratory Science.   While in college, she met Charles Bryant at a dance.

Colleen and Charlie were married at St. Ann’s Cathedral in Great Fall, MT on September 27, 1952. A blessed union of 70 years. Mom was seduced at the thought of living under the bright lights of New York.  Mom, dad and dad’s best friend Andy Kordziel drove across the country… Dad and Andy in one car, listening to the World Series and mom alone in the other with no radio.  Mom was a little shocked arriving in Port Henry, NY and not New York City.

Mom settled into life with dad, eventually having 11 children over 19 years.   She loved her big house overlooking Port Henry and Lake Champlain.  You could often find mom in the middle of a project…  taking apart the dryer and putting it back together, some electrical or plumbing job, painting, hanging wallpaper or sewing.  Mom wasn’t going to wait for someone else to do a job for her.  She loved decorating for Christmas, climbing out on the roof and hanging over the edge to hang her lights well into her 80’s, much to the chagrin of her children.  You were not going to tell mom what she was or wasn’t going to do.

In 1963, mom and dad purchased Phinney’s Sawmill and started Bryant’s Mill.  They worked together building the family business for the next several decades.  Mom held several positions at the business: office manager, sales, kitchen designer, cashier, and customer service.  When it was monthly statement time, all of the kids were recruited to fold, stuff, lick and stamp envelopes.     

Mom loved spending time with her family and friends, planting flowers, watching the birds, singing, listening to music, and having her hair and nails done.  Mom had a deep faith and loved worshipping at St. Patricks’ Parish. She found great comfort in saying her prayers and Rosary several times a day, which was useful with such a large family.  It was always comforting to know that you were on mom’s prayer list and may be receiving a little extra protection.

Mom loved to travel and visited many places in the US and the world, including to Ireland to see the original Hickey homestead in Whitegate, Ireland. She also made trips to Canada, Israel, Russia, Scotland, France, Italy, Monaco, Mexico and the Caribbean.

Mom is predeceased by her parents Daniel and Alice Brannigan, sister Betty and her husband Joe Killham, Stepfather Morris Lindsey and in-laws: Francis and Mary Brown, Clayton and Louise Petersen and Bill and Liz Bryant. Son-in-law, David Laing.

Mom is survived by her loving husband of over 70 years, Charlie Bryant, her 11 children, yes 11: Ann Cotey (Charlie); Dan Bryant (Brenda Baker); Chuck Bryant (Marie); Ruth Laing; Edward Bryant (Sue); Alice Sadallah (John); Kevin Bryant; Tim Bryant (Irina); Michael Petersen (Naomi); Colleen Bryant (Paul Haschytz); Mary Bryant (Eric DeRoehn) and Joe Bryant along with 19 grandchildren: David, Bryant (Bri) Cotey and Colleen (Alex) Boak; Joy (Damiano Coassin), Blaise (Erin Smi) and Dyani Mae Bryant; Chuckie Bryant (Caleigh Lamour); Fred (Marissa) and Dan (Digger) Laing (Stephanie Popp); Ed (Laura), Brannigan (Brittany) Bryant, Alicia (Brian) Slattery; Jennifer (Justin Worboys), Rosalie and John Sadallah; Timur Dzhambinov (Jennie), Ray and Sophie Bryant; Lindsey Sullivan, Clayton Petersen, along with 12 great grandchildren: Charlie, Oliver, Davey, Emiline, Digger, Marshall, Emmitt, Taylor, Bodie, Izzy, Maddox, and Lily, along with several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to recognize the amazing care that Josette Celotti and Caleigh Lamour provided to mom, helping with her health needs, providing companionship, and providing weekly manicures.  Mom truly enjoyed and appreciated the attention. 

A service and celebration of life will take place at 11 a.m. October 14, 2022 at St. Patrick’s Church 12 St. Patrick’s Place, Port Henry, NY. 

Donations in her memory can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Port Henry Fire Department or The Moriah Ambulance Squad.