Shirley Bridge of Ben Bridge Jeweler, 86

By JCK Online Staff -- JCK Online, 6/11/2008 12:50:00 PM

Shirley Bridge—cherished wife, beloved mother, passionate philanthropist, and member of Ben Bridge Jeweler board of directors—died, June 2, after a 53-year battle with cancer. She was 86.

Born in 1922 at Seattle’s Swedish Hospital, Shirley Selesnick Bridge was destined for great things. A dedicated individual, she worked two jobs to put herself through school where she graduated magna cum laude from the University of Washington. She then went on to continue her career as one of the Washington state’s first female pharmacists. It wasn’t until 1955 when the first of five primary cancers started to take their toll.

As a lifetime activist, Bridge aided in the development of Seattle AIDS housing, improved the Harborview Medical Center, worked with the Northwest School for Hearing-Impaired Children, was president of the Seattle Women’s Commission, and acted as a founding member of the Women’s Endowment Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle. Not only was her life filled with overwhelming accomplishments in the community but she also found time to raise a passionate and devoted family.

After meeting at a picnic, Shirley and Herb Bridge (co-chairman of Ben Bridge Jeweler) were inseparable for the next sixty years. Through their wonderful marriage they raised a beautiful family of two boys, Jon Bridge (co-CEO of Ben Bridge Jeweler) and Rabbi Dan Bridge. Though her accomplishments were many her greatest achievement was in her family.

As the battle against cancer became unbeatable her will and determination were not deterred. Her resume of volunteer work speaks volumes and her impact on the community unmatchable. Shirley Bridge will not only be missed but remembered.