Karen Bryant

1943 - 2016

BRYANT

KAREN beloved wife of Howard Bryant, passed away peacefully the morning of August 17th, 2016, after a battling a long illness. Born May 5th, 1943, in Detroit, Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Al and Eleanor Eagen, and a brother, Dennis. She is survived by her loving husband, Howard, and her sister, Debbie Eagen West. Karen graduated from the University of Michigan in 1965 majoring in Latin and history. After her graduation, Karen began a career in teaching at Mason Middle School in Waterford. She then moved to Troy Athens High School where she taught Government, and World, Ancient and American History. After earning her Masters in Library Science, she finished her 35 year teaching career as head librarian at Hill Elementary in Troy. She was also active in the Troy Education Association attending state and national conventions and serving on the Association negotiating team. Among her many interests, Karen was an avid reader, loved the theatre (even writing and directing all school plays) and was an adventurous traveler. Highlights of her early spirit in travel were a train trip to Pasadena for the 1965 Rose Bowl, and a two month tour of Europe with friends after graduation. She and Howard, her husband of 35 years, spent the last several years visiting historic sites throughout the United States, many Canadian provinces, the Caribbean and Mexico. Their winters were spent near the water in Bradenton, Florida. By far, the most important quality Karen possessed was a kind and gentle manner that knew no bounds. She was a warm, gracious and loving woman who opened her heart to everyone, and that love was returned to her in kind by everyone who knew her. She will be greatly missed. In lieu of a funeral service a memorial celebration for Karen will be held at a later date.