Claire Edith Bryson

Claire Edith (Trembath) Bryson Claire Edith (Trembath) Bryson, age 84, was born June 24, 1940, in Hackensack, New Jersey, to The Reverend William Carman and Claribel (Dykema) Trembath. The younger of two children, she graduated from Teaneck High School in 1958 and Hope College in 1962, majoring in English and Education. She married John G. Bryson on August 5, 1961, at the Community Church of Teaneck, New Jersey. The couple raised four children in their cherished home of fifty-seven years in Spring Lake, Michigan. To her children, she was "Mother of the Year" every year. She was well-loved by her sons-in-law and daughter-in-law. She adored, and was adored by, her ten grandchildren and their spouses. The love and respect she received were for good reason. Known to many as "Lady Claire", she enjoyed the reputation of being a frequent, gracious, and creative hostess of many casual and formal gatherings in her home and on her patio. Claire's hospitality was extended to all. She regularly shared her unrivaled wit, sense of humor, and good spirit with those around her. Claire artfully blended her East Coast upbringing with her Midwestern lifestyle. She had a passion for growing roses and gifting them to others. Completing crossword puzzles, reading, walking, and enjoying music and all water views were among Claire's greatest pleasures. Claire had a penchant for wordplay and clever comments. She loved playing Scrabble and could not be beaten at this game, even in her later years. The community regularly benefited from Claire's gifts. She served as a substitute teacher for Spring Lake Schools, served on the library board, worked as a hostess at a local restaurant, and sang in various church choirs. Much of her husband's success as an educator and musician can be attributed to the support she provided via her time and talents. Claire resided with John at Freedom Village in Holland for six years. Claire was admired by her friends, neighbors, and Freedom Village employees for her sense of decency, sense of humor, and sense of style. In recent years, Claire was cared for in the Freedom Village memory care unit. Not surprisingly, through her warmth and wit, Claire provided care in return; always anxious to comfort and assist fellow residents and her caregivers as well. Claire exhibited style and grace until the very end. Her passing is truly a great loss to us all. She is survived by her husband John G. Bryson; children, William (Michelle) Bryson of Holland, MI; Elizabeth (David) Wood of Houston, TX; Kathryn (Kevin) Anderson of St. Paul, MN; and Anne (Christopher) O'Brien of Wayzata, MN; grandchildren, Paul Bryson, Grace (Noah) Mihos, Joel Bryson, Charles (Caitlin) Wood, Ian (Hannah) Wood, Madelyn (Sophie) Kenney, Zachary Anderson, Caroline (Hagen) Ellis, John O'Brien, and Cavan O'Brien; as well as two great-grandchildren, Kate and Emmet Kenney. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at St. John's Episcopal Church, 524 Washington Avenue, Grand Haven, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Claire's honor designated to the St. John's Episcopal Church Loving Spoonfuls Meal Ministry or the Music Fund are welcome at https://onrealm.org/sjegh/-/form/give/default or by mail to St. John's Episcopal Church, 524 Washington Avenue, Grand Haven, MI 49417.

Tributes

Claire Edith Bryson

June 24, 1940 - April 21, 2025