Grace Bridgeman – Loved going dancing and tending to her garden

Grace Bridgeman, 92, passed away peacefully on Nov. 7, 2007. She
was the 13th of 17 children born to Manuel and Gertudes Martinez on
May 15, 1915 in Cimarron, New Mexico. The family moved to Taos, New
Mexico where she spent her childhood.
Grace and her husband Ralph, moved to Santa Rosa from Fresno, in
1942 where they raised four children; Ron Bridgeman, Santa Rosa,
Helen (Al) Negri, Santa Rosa, Mary Marcotte, San Jose, and Betty
Salzman, Healdsburg.
Mom enjoyed life! She loved tending to her garden especially her
prized roses. I remember she and dad used to enjoy going dancing on
Friday nights at Marico’s and as a treat we kids would get to have
hamburgers and french fries from Zesto’s on Mendocino, Betty said.
Mom spent many hours at the coast on picnics with dad and the
grandchildren searching for driftwood and seashells.
She was employed at Santa Rosa High School in the library
department for 25 years and fondly remembered the bus rides to Reno
with her fellow employees.
Mom (Gammy to the grandchildren) cherished time spent with the
grandchildren. You would always find her at Little League games
cheering on her grandsons.
She was a very loyal 49er fan. Mom and dad had season tickets
when the team played at Kezar Stadium in San Francisco. She enjoyed
road trips, one of her favorite being Canyon de Chelly. She was a
proud member of the “Spirited Seniors” at Holy Spirit Catholic
Church in Santa Rosa.
Gammy is also survived by her grandchildren, Jeff, Cynthia and
Mark Negri, Tony and Kevin Bridgeman, Lanell, Jody and Rochell
Durst and Julie and Stacy Salzman. Great grandchildren Troy
Bridgeman, Anna and Katie Negri, Ryder Baker, Luke Negri and Mario
Salzman, numerous nieces and nephews who all love her and will miss
her very much.
The family would like to thank the caregivers at Healdsburg
Senior Living and her prior caregivers at Citrus Court in
Healdsburg for their kindness and concern.
Services will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Santa
Rosa, 1244 St. Francis Rd. on Nov.16, 2007 at 3:30 p.m. Reception
to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s
Assocation North Bay Chapter, 1211 North Dutton Ave., Suite A,
Santa Rosa, CA 95401.