I am deeply saddened to hear of Mrs. Bridges' passing. I first met her after my family moved into the house a few doors down (2000?). Though we were new to the neighborhood, she welcomed us with open arms, kindness, and of course, her famous hospitality (no visit was complete without an ample snack!). She told wonderful stories about her children and grandchildren, and with such exuberance that you couldn't help but get excited with her. She loved animals, and always got a kick out of meeting our various pets when we would bring them to visit.
She was a compassionate and gracious person who treated me and my sister as if we were her own grandchildren. I remember that she would often give us presents - and once gave us a giant drum of jellybeans on Easter that was way too big for ten people, much less two kids! Such generosity and thoughtfulness is a rare thing.
She will be deeply missed; my most heartfelt condolences to her family.