Obituary of Dulcy Collier Thomas Bryan

Dulcy Collier Thomas Bryan, widow of Cdr. George S. Bryan, USN (Ret) died peacefully on Monday, January 18, 2021, in State College, PA. Dulcy was born in Chester, PA on June, 12, 1927, the daughter of James H. Thomas and Dorothy K. Thomas. Growing up in New Jersey and Pennsylvania she married George on July 15, 1950. As a Navy family there was a new station every two years and Dulcy provided a home and nurtured the children, sometimes on her own for months at a time while George was deployed. The family settled in Bethesda, MD in 1963. Throughout her life Dulcy enjoyed being creative. From an early age she loved needlework, particularly cross-stitch and needlepoint and her family continues to enjoy many of the pieces she created over the years. As the children went through school and left home for their own life adventures, Dulcy indulged one of her own passions by starting a pottery studio in the basement and involving herself with an art gallery in Washington, DC. She also developed an interest in genealogy, traveling domestically and to the British Isles where she researched about and in some cases met her distant relatives. In retirement she and George continued to indulge their passion for travel. She was a great conversationalist, always interested in learning about the people she met. In 2004 Dulcy and George moved to a retirement community in Charlottesville, VA. There they were able to reunite with old friends from the Navy days as well as forge new friendships. After George passed away Dulcy moved to State College, PA in 2010 to be near to her daughter, Molly and to spend more time with all of her children and grandchildren. Dulcy was dearly loved by her family and will be missed. We will continue to celebrate her for the curiosity, intellect and joie de vivre that was such a part of her personality. She is predeceased by her sister Molly Thomas Low and her brother James Thomas, Jr. Dulcy is survived by her children and their spouses: Margo Bryan Petersen (Paul), Dr. George S. Bryan, III (Mary) and Molly Bryan Kunkel (Hal); her grandchildren Lindsay Kunkel Keely (Tom), Andrew Kunkel, Zen Petersen and Ian Petersen; one great-granddaughter Beatrice Keely and her beloved cat Maddy. A private service will be held at a future date at Arlington National Cemetery where she will be buried with her husband. Donations may be made in her memory to the Givers of Care Fund, Foxdale Village, 500 East Marylyn Ave., State College, PA 16801. Condolences may be offered online at www.charlestonfunerals.com.