Mary Ann Brayman

Mary Ann Brayman, 67, passed away at her home on October 14, 2009. She was born April 8, 1942 in Seattle, Washington to Robert and Evelyn Boyer. They moved to Missoula, Montana in 1945. She attended Missoula schools and graduated from Missoula County High School in 1960.

During freshman year in high school chorus, MaryAnn’s extraordinary musical talent emerged. She was best known for her jazz and boogie-woogie piano jam sessions, usually held at the Boyer home. During tryouts for a high school musical, the voice teacher heard Mary Ann’s distinct soprano voice rising above the others. So impressed, he contacted her parents stating that hers was a singing voice which, with additional training could lead to a successful singing career in pop or classical opera. She studied privately at the University of Montana under voice coach and professor John Lester. She earned experience singing at weddings, funerals, graduations, church events and in cantatas. She was offered a partial scholarship to Julliard School of Music in New York City. The budding singing career was abruptly ended by a winter auto accident. She was a colleague of Judith Blegan and Joanna Lester, both Metropolitan Opera singers. She continued to sing for events and to play organ and piano music for her communities.

In Moses Lake she created many beautiful flower gardens. Her favorite spot was on the deck watching a variety of butterflies and birds passing her way. She loved to fish Montana lakes and streams. She was a trophy-winning trap and skeet shooter. Beloved dogs in her life were Blanche, Boop, Duke, Sparky, Lacey, Jozie and Porgy who met her at the Rainbow Bridge.

She married Bruce Brayman in 1961 and followed his Navy tours in Bremerton, WA and San Diego, CA. They had one daughter, Deborah Anne. They were divorced in 1972. She worked at T & W Chevrolet in Missoula for 19 years. After moving to Moses Lake 15 years ago, she worked at various health care facilities in the area.

Mary Ann’s death at such an early age leaves her surviving loved ones with an enormous loss. She is survived by her long time friend and companion Sergio Samayoa of Moses Lake and their dog Jennie June and three cats they rescued; Deborah and Lee Johnson of Cleveland, Tennessee, granddaughter Kayla Anne Johnson of Murfreesboro, TN. She leaves a brother Bob (Sharon) Skinner of Vancouver, WA and a sister Nancy (Doug) Heyer of Missoula, MT. While Mark, Cathy, and Neil all learned poker strategy from her, Mary Ann gave enthusiastic Nertz lessons to Debbie, Kayla, and Patty. No one perfected faking a bluff better than Mary Ann.

Cremation has taken place. A family memorial service was held on October 16 at Kayser’s Chapel in Moses Lake. In lieu of flowers, send a donation to Grant County Humane Society or any animal rescue program. Arrangements are in care of Kayser’s Chapel & Crematory. Please sign the book or leave a note for the family at www. kayserschapel.com