Who is Maude Bryson from The Lost Continent: Travels in Small-town America and what is their importance?

Maude Bryson was Bill's grandmother. His memories of his grandmother vary greatly. He notes that when he arrived at his grandparent's home, they would both be waiting at the gate. Afterward, his grandmother would rush inside to take something out of the oven. Unlike most people, however, Bryson doesn't remember his grandmother as being a very good cook.