Bertha Bronia Olbrycht, 92, died Sunday, Aug. 9.
She was born in New York where she met her husband Al Olbrycht.
She graduated as salutatorian from her high school in New York and received her masters degree from Columbia University.
Mrs. Olbrycht was very religious her entire life and praised God for making it possible to be the first in her family to graduate from college and become a teacher. She taught in New York, Tennessee, and California.
She was an avid opponent of too much homework, believing that children needed time with their families with friends.
She was active in the community and worked to improve the world. She was an AAUW state representative instrumental in stopping the building of a Nuclear Power Plant near Knights Ferry. With her husband, she was active in achieving legislation for a series of parks along the Stanislaus River. She and her husband worked to assist Congressman John McFall to provide legislation for the dam for the OID to protect lands from floods and droughts.
She and her husband were active in preserving the California Oaks. She was a gardener and was featured in The Oakdale Leader for her hydrangea garden. She found many uses for herbs and recently discovered that sprigs of rosemary keep grubs and bugs away from geraniums and hydrangeas.
She was known for her kindness and commitment to creating a better life for others, especially children. She was a Campfire Girls leader for six years. She worked to secure kindergarten and return bus routes for primary students in the Oakdale school district.
Late in life she was lovingly cared for by her family and Anna Mae Tilma and Laura Allmauras. She enjoyed calls and cards from family and friends.
She is survived by her sons, Chip (Pam) Olbrycht, Lincoln (Lennie) Olbrycht; daughter, Cindy (Joe) Jaconette; grandchildren, Alison and Andrew Olbrycht, Wesley Olbrycht, and Timothy Jaconette; as well as nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews.
No visitation. A rosary will be at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 12 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Oakdale. A funeral service will be at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 13 at St. Mary’s, followed by burial at Saint Anne’s Church, Columbia.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
Aug. 12, 2009
