Marilyn Veronica O'Bryant

Marilyn Veronica O’Bryant, 58, of St. Joseph, passed away peacefully at her home Saturday May 5, 2012. She was born July 25, 1953 in the Bronx, New York. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Dorothy Walsh and her youngest brother, Matthew Walsh. She is survived by her husband, Robert “Reo” O’Bryant and daughter, Robin Jane O’Bryant (fiancé Robert Koziol). Siblings, Lillian Tighe (Harold), James Walsh (Mari), Gerard Walsh (Maggie), Jeanette Chace (Lewis), as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Marilyn graduated from the State University of New York at Buffalo with her Bachelor of Fine Arts. Later she went on to get her Masters of Art at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Marilyn was a life-long lover, creator and educator of Fine and Commercial Art. She was known for her watercolors, pastels and house portraits. Some of her artwork can be viewed at local galleries. She won various awards for her paintings including first place at Artemya 2011 at WMU. She taught at locals schools, most recently Commercial Art at the Van Buren ISD for the past seven years. As well as the Krasl Art Center and Box Factory for the Arts. A devoted wife and mother, an avid photographer, she enjoyed traveling and life with her extended family and friends. Marilyn and Reo celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary this past October. She was also a member of the Midwestern Watercolor League, Pastel Society and active in the Adoration Chapel at the St Joseph Catholic Church. Visitation is Tuesday , May 8 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, from 5:00PM to 8:00PM, with Liturgical Prayers recited at 7:45 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, May 9 at 10:00AM at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, 211 Church Street, St. Joseph, MI 49085, with graveside service to follow at Hickory Bluff Cemetery, and reception at the Rose Center. For further information and to sign Marilyn’s Memory Book online, go to: www.starks-menchinger.com. Contributions to Marilyn’s memory can be made to the Krasl Art Center, 707 Lake Boulevard St. Joseph, MI 49085, www.krasl.org/ or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, www.nationalmssociety.org.