Flora Luella (Hopper) Bryan, 88, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 19, 2018, at Clarion Health and Rehab.
Flora was born on January 14, 1930, to the late Leonard Lawrence and Ell Mae Belle (Horne) Hopper in Porter Township, Clarion County. She graduated high school in Knox, PA.
She married her husband, Dale Ervin Bryan, on June 9, 1951, in Salix, PA; he preceded her in death in 2000.
She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Reynoldsville, PA. Flora had a strong faith and was very active in her church which was the cornerstone of her life. She sang in the church choir for many years and participated in Sunday school until her recent illness.
She enjoyed reading throughout her life and was always a curious person. She was an avid quilter and crocheter making many quilts and afghans for people she knew especially the new babies in the family, and for charity. She loved children of all ages and enjoyed her close relationship with her nieces, nephews, and many of Reynoldsville’s children. Her neighborhood was a close-knit community and her ties there were the building blocks of a happy life in Reynoldsville.
Flora was one of nine children who grew up during the great depression, which left an indelible mark. After the death of her mother when she was 13, the responsibility to take care of the younger children, cook, and any other household chores was placed on her young shoulders. Although she faced poverty as a child, she had fond memories and never once complained about her youthful circumstances.
In spite of economic difficulties, she was able to graduate high school and go on to acquire successful jobs in life. First she worked for decades at Cameron in manufacturing and then later went on to work as office staff for Bonnie Engles Erie Insurance. Her working life spanned more than fifty years. She was always easy going and set an example of endurance and gratitude for the generations following her.
Flora is survived by one biological daughter, Betty Petrella of Meadville, PA; two granddaughters, Lisa N. Petrella of Milwaukee, WI, and Stephanie Petrella Longhi of Albuquerque, NM; three great-granddaughters, Adriana Bonacci, Maya Longhi, and Nyomi Longhi, all of Albuquerque, NM; one great-grandson, Simon Neujahr Petrella of Milwaukee, WI; one brother, Thurl D. Hopper of Sullivan, OH; and one sister, Alberta Watkins of New Bethlehem, PA.
In addition to her parents and husband, Flora is preceded in death by three sisters, Pauline Blaire, Belvia Bell, and Joyce Bell Reedy; as well as three brothers, Lawrence Hopper, Reno Hopper, and Ronald Emahizer.
A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 506 Jackson St, Reynoldsville, on August 12, 2018, beginning at 2:00 p.m. and officiated by Reverend Thomas Carr. A time of sharing and fellowship will then follow the service at the church.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Snyder – d’Argy Funeral Home, 206 E Main St, Reynoldsville, PA 15851.
Online condolences and other information may be found at www.snyderdargy.com.
