Marie C. McBryan

MILTON - Marie C. McBryan, 99, passed away in Bloomsburg at the home of her son, Brian, on Sunday, February 25, 2024 while holding the hand of her granddaughter.

She was born December 17, 1924 in Langhorne, PA, the daughter of Francis and Clara (Williams) Caine.

Marie was a strong-willed woman who overcame many hardships in her life.  She lost her mother at a very young age and was placed in an orphanage along with her sisters. After a few years they were reunited with their father and brother and moved to West Philadelphia.  It was there she was introduced to her husband Tom, a Milton native, when he visited his sister in their neighborhood while on leave from Fort Dix in New Jersey during World War II.  She quickly fell in love with the Army sergeant with the piercing blue eyes.  

Tom was deployed on Christmas Eve, 1943 and was seriously injured during a battle in Italy.  After months of recuperation in an Army hospital and upon his honorable discharge with many accolades, they were married on February 14, 1945 and promptly moved to his hometown area, settling and starting their family in Pottsgrove.

About ten years after their marriage, Tom suffered a debilitating stroke that ceased his ability to be employed at Lewisburg Federal Penitentiary so Marie entered the workforce at American Home Foods where she had a career that spanned 32 years.

Marie’s final hardship to overcome was being widowed at the age of 47 when her youngest child was just entering high school.  Despite her hardships, her proudest accomplishment was making sure her children received all the education they needed to succeed in their chosen careers.  She also made sure her children and all her family experienced the motherly love she was denied.

Marie’s favorite pastime was playing Pinochle at the Milton Senior Center and spending time with her children and their families.  After her retirement she volunteered at Red Cross blood drives and delivered Meals on Wheels.  She was the oldest living member of the Chillisquaque Presbyterian Church in Pottsgrove and she loved telling everyone she met how old she was!

Marie is survived by her three children: Barbara Marini (Joseph) Blue Bell, PA; Thomas A. McBryan, Jr., Sunbury, PA; and Brian A. McBryan (Cynthia) Bloomsburg, PA.  Her grandchildren are:  Joseph Marini, Jr. (Anja), Paul Marini (Carol), Rae Ellen Welling (Michael), Benjamin McBryan (Taylor), Laura Carney (David), and Matthew McBryan.  She is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren.

Preceding her in death was her husband, Thomas A. McBryan, Sr. (1972); her two sisters Margaret Pullman and Candice Caine; brother Francis L. Caine, Jr.; half-sisters Josephine Haviland and Hannah Hayman.

In keeping with Marie’s wishes there will be a grave-side service in the near future.  In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation may do so to: Chillisquaque Presbyterian Church, PO Box 70, Pottsgrove, PA 17865.

Marie’s family would like to thank neighbors, Sharon Karchner Dollar and Pam Powell and her family for their assistance with keeping a 99 year old independently living in her home.  Also, most appreciated was the volunteer transport services of Golden Rule LOVE INC and the excellent care she was given both at her home and her son’s home by Bloomsburg Compassus Hospice.

Arrangements are being handled by Dale Ranck Cremation & Funeral Care, 125 N. Front Street, Milton.