Ida Mae Bridger
COOPERSTOWN _ Ida Mae Bridger, 82, passed away peacefully with her family on Feb. 19, 2012.
Ida Mae was born on Aug. 5, 1929, in Laurens, to Viggo and Bessie Larsen. She grew up and graduated from Laurens High School and moved to Albany, and graduated from Albany Business College. Ida had a beautiful singing voice and sang at weddings on the weekends to help fund her education.
She married Herman Bridger on June 22, 1968, they shared 43 years of marriage until Herm passed away last year on Aug. 20.
Ida is survived by her daughters, Laura (Michael) Page, Judy Tiernan and Melinda (Alan) Christman. Ida Mae was a wonderful grandmother to six grandchildren, Melissa and Kevin Hochbrueckner, Brent Page, Alan Christman Jr., Patrick Tiernan, Nicole and John McGuire, and Brian Tiernan. Two great-grandchildren, Peter and Derek Hochbrueckner, knew her as GG.
Ida was predeceased by her siblings, Kenneth Larsen, Dolly Morris and Carl Larsen; and a stepson, Charles Keith Bridger.
She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Jean Larsen of Oneonta, Hilda Pomeroy of Fulton, Elizabeth O'Brien and Mildred Jennings of Cooperstown, Cora Petrucco of Cortland, Wanda Laymon and Lois Smith and her husband, Eugene, all of Toddsville, Evelyn Gray and her husband, Gordon of Pierstown, and Joan Wiener of Cherry Valley; one brother-in-law, David Bridger and his wife, Marietta of Roseboom; one sister-in-law, Blanche (Teny) Bridger of Virginia; and by many nieces, nephews and so many good friends.
Ida Mae was a bookkeeper employed by several area businesses including Ed Phillips Construction Company, Jose Gill's Garage, HD Auto Repair and Smith Ford Cooperstown. Ida was a lifetime member of Christ Church.
Ida volunteered as a Cub Scout Den Mother, Sunday school teacher, 4-H leader and also a member of Hartwick No. 2 Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.
Ida Mae had a great love of community, family and friends. Her talents were many and shared with all. Her family members all have beautiful handmade quilts made to specific colors and patterns. She will always be remembered for her never-ending cookie jar. Not a child, grandchild or great-grandchild would enter her house without first stopping at the cookie jar for homemade cookies. Special thanks to Father Mark, Pastor Jim, Bonnie Segit and nephew, Kenny Morris for your wonderful help and guidance throughout this time. Thank you also to Dr. Leonardo and Debra Walz and the entire Cancer Care team at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown and Catskill Area Hospice.
There will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be held at a time and date to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Ida Mae's memory to Christ Church Outreach Program, 69 Fair St., Cooperstown, NY 13326.
Arrangements are under the direction of Tillapaugh Funeral Service, Cooperstown.
