Shirley J. Bryant

Winthrop - Shirley J. Bryant, 62, passed away suddenly at her home, Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010. Arrangements are entrusted to the Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop. She was born in Potsdam on April 20, 1948, daughter of the late Robert J. and Geraldine S. (Stickney) Bryant. In 1966, she graduated from Holy Family High School in Massena and graduated from Powelson Business Institute in Syracuse in 1967. On August 3, 1967, Shirley started work at SUNY Potsdam, and retired in January of this year, Administrative Assistant of the Dean of the Crane School of Music. Shirley was the cornerstone of her family,whose love and support was sincerely acknowledged by her nieces and nephews. They reflected on her love of camp where her competitive spirit was displayed when playing cards and outdoor games. She was always busy; whether at home crocheting and solving suduko puzzles or participating in water aerobics and yoga. Animals were also an important part of Shirley's life, she rescued and gave several a loving home. She is survived by two sisters, Sr. Norma Bryant, SSJ of Watertown and Gloria Sullivan and her husband, William of Winthrop; her nieces and nephews, Bill and Jamie Sullivan of Winthrop, Jay Sullivan of Syracuse, Sarah and Jeffrey White of Liverpool and Blake Sullivan and Jeanette Deamour of Massena; her great nieces and nephews, Eliza and John Sullivan and Audrey and Collin White; her canine companion, Buddy and feline companions, Fred and Lucy. Visitation for Shirley will be Wednesday from 6 to 8 pm and Thursday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm at the Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday at 11 am at St. Patrick Church in Brasher Falls. Burial will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery. Those wishing to do so, please consider donations in Shirley's honor to the Potsdam Animal Shelter, 17 Madrid Ave., Potsdam, NY 13676, SUNY at Potsdam-Crane School of Music, 44 Pierrepont Ave., Potsdam, NY 13676 or The Sisters of St. Joseph, 1425 Washington Street, Watertown, NY 13601. Condolences and memories can be shared with Shirley's family at www.hammillfh.com.