Jane Schell Bryant

On January 16 at the age of 89, Jane Schell Bryant left us with the same grace she left a room throughout her life. Born in Pittsburg Pennsylvania in 1934 to Donald E. and Grace Schell, Jane and her sister, Jean (McGlamery) enjoyed summers at Lake Chautauqua where Jane came to love sailing and classical music. In subsequent years she transferred some of that affection to golf and bridge, which she played with close friends throughout her life. A family move to Arizona saw Jane graduate from Tucson High School and University of Arizona where she earned a degree in education. College also brought William Bryant into her life. They were married in July,1957 and soon moved to San Gabriel, CA where Jane taught school and they began to expand their family. Daughter, Ginger, was born there and was soon followed by Beth, then Katie. The Bryants moved to Visalia in 1972 and made it their home. Jane earned her Learning Disability certification and taught at Divisadero Junior High School as a Resource Specialist for 15-years and five subsequent years at Fairview Elementary school. During those years, Jane recommitted her love of philanthropy and the joy of community volunteerism. Jane was a member and past president of AAUW (American Association of University Women) and served as president of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Alumnae Association. She was a charter member of the Assistance League of Visalia and in 1988 was voted Visalia's Woman of the Year, based upon her many years devoted to community service that included the Battered Women's Shelter and Rape Crisis Center. Jane was a force and an inspiration to any worthy cause and action-oriented group with which she chose to align herself. Her influence and participation were eagerly sought. Upon Bill's retirement, he and Jane left Visalia and returned to their beloved desert, Green Valley, AZ and old friendships. It was a time of reconnection with University of Arizona friends. Bill a Sigma Alpha Epsilon and Jane a lifelong Kappa Kappa Gamma were active in their fraternal and alumnae associations. Thirteen years and four grandchildren later, Jane and Bill returned to Visalia to be closer to family and enjoy their later years. They moved into Quail Park, an assisted living community in Visalia where they enjoyed a more relaxed lifestyle. Within a year Bill passed away at age 88. Now Jane has joined her beloved of more than 60-years. They leave behind daughters Ginger Bryant, Beth (David) Hyde and Katie Buetz, along with four grandchildren: Alex Havard, William Havard, Clayton Buetz and Christen Buetz. She also leaves a sister, Jean McGlamery, nephew, Don McGlamery and a niece, Anne Knopp. Jane's favorite symphony "Gloria" in D-major, Antonio Vivaldi plays in heaven today. Memorial services will be held 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Tuesday, March 12th, 2024 at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave., Visalia. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Jane Schell Bryant

January 18, 1934 - January 16, 2024