Bridget Ann Paton

Born June 23, 1956 in New Orleans at Charity Hospital to Wilson Legendre and Claudia Besse, Bridget grew up in Morgan City, Louisiana. A Cajun through and through she enjoyed her jambalaya, crayfish etouffee, LSU football and some occasional Zydeco music. She loved her childhood friends Merinda and Gloria her whole life. A strongly devout Catholic her whole life, her faith shaped her way of living as well as that of her husband(Wayne), son(Ian)and granddaughter.(Chloe). An exceptional student, Bridget graduated from Morgan City High School graduating in the top 10 of her class. She worked in both the dental and banking fields before moving to California and later Colorado Springs, Colorado. Bridget met Wayne at a blind date party in 1983 and was told she was the same age as Wayne. She remained surprised the rest of her life she fell for a younger man! They were married in 1985. Bridget had not been able to travel much growing up and very much enjoyed travel with Wayne and later Ian and Chloe. Later, Bella and Becca joined in as family. Bridget traveled around the US, Canada and later Europe. Her favorite places were: Hawaii, Vail, Disney World, Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, Banff National Park, Niagara Falls, Paris and the many beautiful national parks of the western United States. Trips to visit old Catholic Churches were especially appealing. Among her favorite repeat vacations were to Vail to stay at the Sonnenalp Resort and Disney World where she enjoyed planning with Chloe. She was introduced to college hockey and enjoyed watching Colorado College hockey and later took pictures for senior recognition banquets. Bridget was very passionate and serious about everything she did whether it was church choir, raising her son and later grandchild, decorating for any holiday or special occasion and knew everyone’s birthdays and special events. Bridget was gifted with a beautiful voice and loved singing in the church choir especially but also around the house as she practiced for that week’s masses. She enjoyed the entire choir but was very fond of Patty! She was passionate about taking care of her pets and everyone in the neighborhood who had dogs knew the ‘dog treat lady.’ It was when that seriousness was broken by hysterical laughter she was at her best bringing the room to laughter with her! Bridget loved the holidays and decorated the home to the hilt! The decorations epitomized the holiday and leaned hard into having fun with kids. Over the last years of her life she developed a very special place in her heart for the Golden Girls and especially Lila, the Nancy’s, Suzanne, Debbie and Ms. Terry. She drew particular strength from those that shared her faith. Our family is particularly grateful to them for their support of Bridget and her family especially Chloe. In addition to her childhood friends, she held a special place in her heart for Laura, Sarah, Kay but especially Margaret who she adored and trusted deeply. Bridget developed a special relationship with her sister in law, Debra, which allowed both of them to experience a love rarely shared. Bridget came from a diverse family with many aunts and uncles and many cousins in Louisiana. She never chose to call family that were step sisters or half cousins by those titles always referring to them as sisters, cousins and brothers feeling that doing so was divisive and uninviting and not what the Lord intended. Her in-laws, Al and Nancy, treated her as a daughter rather than daughter in law. Her deepest family joy is her son(Ian), granddaughter(Chloe), granddaughter(Bella) and daughter in law(Becca) with whom she spent time with every week. It was once said, ‘that I’m so sorry she died but so very very happy she lived.’ We love you sweetheart! Wayne, Ian, Grandpa Al, Chloe, Bella, Becca and Debra! The deepest thanks to Dr. Megan MacNeil, Stacey Pearce and Barbara Chamness and the amazing ICU staff at Penrose Main, hospital Clergy, Donor Alliance, Archbishop Golka and especially Monsignor Jaeger.