Mrs. Bridget Ann Alai

Born on January 24, 1933, on a farm in Killernan, County Clare, Ireland. Bridget — lovingly known as Bridie — carried the strength, warmth, and deep sense of family rooted in her Irish homeland throughout her life.

At age 17, Bridie bravely traveled to the United States to begin her adult life and pursue new opportunities. She worked as a nanny and as a clerk for Prudential. Settling in New Jersey, she met John Alai, the love of her life. They married and shared a devoted partnership for 64 years until John’s passing in 2020.

Together, Bridie and John had five children. Their journey took them from Colorado to New Jersey and New York before they ultimately settled in San Jose, California. Bridie loved California’s warm climate and sunny skies, and she made San Jose her cherished home for nearly five decades.

For more than 30 years, Bridie worked as a Campus Supervisor at Bret Harte Middle School in San Jose. She was beloved by students and staff alike for her kindness, warmth, and caring spirit. She also devoted decades of volunteer service to St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in New Almaden, quietly giving her time and energy to her community and faith.

Bridie was a wonderful friend — kind, generous, and always welcoming. She had a warm smile, a slightly wicked sense of humor, and a joyful spirit that made others feel instantly at ease. She moved through life with quiet elegance, deep faith, and grace.

Above all, Bridie was a deeply devoted mother and grandmother who was greatly loved by all of her children and grandchildren. Family was the center of her life, and she created a home filled with love, comfort, laughter, and unwavering support.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Alai; her son, Brian Alai; her parents, Thomas and Nora Griffin; her siblings and in-laws, Marty and Cissie Griffin, Nell and Jimmy Gleeson, Sr. Joseph (Nora) Griffin, Michael and Bernie Griffin, PJ Griffin, and Vincent Haugh; and her sisters-in-law, Betty Giardino and Rosemarie Stelzle.

She is survived by her loving children and their spouses: Lorraine and Ed Kurata, Kevin Alai, Maureen Alai, and Terese and Erik Swenson. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren: Griffin Shaw and his wife Rosemary, Liam Kurata, Connor Kurata, and Veronica Swenson; her sister Mary Haugh; her in-laws Cam Griffin, Edward Alai and his wife Holly, and Susan Alai and her husband Jerry Howarth; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Bridie was greatly loved and will be dearly missed.

Born among the green fields, winds of the Atlantic, and quiet strength of rural Ireland, she carried her homeland always in her heart.

She welcomed others with warmth, gave generously without seeking attention, and brought lightness, laughter, and care wherever she went — whether among family, friends, schoolchildren who adored her, or on one more adventure.

Her legacy is one of kindness, faith, love, and quiet courage.

Deeply loved and forever remembered.