Kathryn Bryson

Kathryn Bryson, also known as “Kay” and “Kay Kay”, 75, of Leroy, OH, passed away peacefully on May 3rd, 2025, in her beloved hometown of Brooklyn, NY after a short battle with cancer. Kay was born on May 1st, 1950, in New York City to Cathrine and Kenneth Courtney. She married her soulmate, Wally Bryson on May 15th, 1977, at her cousin Christine Jorgensen’s home in Laguna Niguel, California. Together they shared 48 years of love and memories. She was a dedicated mother to daughter Alison Bryson, son Jesse Bryson, and a proud grandmother to Basia Vidal. A lifelong music enthusiast, Kay launched her career at 18 years old at NBC/WNBC Radio. While she was learning the ropes of the broadcasting world as a Program and Music Director, she was an active voice in the 1970’s feminist movement, where she played a role in challenging gender roles and societal norms advocating for greater workplace equality. She later moved to California where she held roles at Capital and Motown Records. She remained active in the industry throughout her life with the music publishing company, KayWal Music, she co-founded and shared with her husband. Other professions included managing a large medical building, being a Stringer and Editor for the Cleveland Plain Dealer, The News Herald, Tri-County Business Journal, VetExtra, a writer for her father’s 446 BG Beachbell Echo WWII Publication, and founder of Positive Images where she assisted veterans obtain employment and publish a monthly newsletter. She also brought comfort and care to individuals and groups in the healing arts as a Reiki Master and a Dancing Mindfulness Instructor. She was highly valued for her knowledge and work ethic. Kay will be remembered for her love of her family, her spirituality, her generosity, strength, kindness and the light she extended to all who knew her. As a patron of the arts, she was an avid reader, loved film, current events, pasta and chocolate. She is survived by her husband Wally Bryson, daughter Alison Bryson (Yannick Vidal, Marie Etienne), son Jesse Bryson (Nicole Bressler), granddaughter Basia Vidal, sister Marilyn Courtney, sister(s) in law, Nancy Western and Marilyn Holadnak (Gary Holadnac), nieces and nephews Valerie, Ian, Veda, Nico, Rena, Joseph, Jared, Keaton, Kayla, Greyson, Alijah, Jason, Teresa, Lora, Keera, Caley, Jenna, Jerome, Brooklyn, Donté, a great deal of maternal cousins and many, many dear friends. Kay was preceded in her death by her parents Cathrine and Kenneth Courtney and her sister Christine Courtney. Her love and light will forever bloom in the hearts she leaves behind. A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, June 30, 2025, from 5:30-7:30p.m.at Lake Erie Cremation and Funeral Services, 1500 Harpersfield Road, Geneva, OH 44041 (440) 361-2273. www.LakeErieCrematory.com

Kathryn Bryson

May 1, 1950 - May 3, 2025