IN MEMORIAM: Shirley Bridger, 88;
Ran Springfield Farm With Husband
EAST SPRINGFIELD – Shirley E. Bridger, 88, who operated a farm with her husband until his passing, died peacefully Sunday morning, June 12, 2016, with her family present.
Shirley was born July 9, 1927, at Fox Hospital, the daughter of Robert and Marian (Rowe) Salisbury. Growing up, she attended the one-room school house in Cooperstown Junction, then the two-room school house in Westville, later graduating from Milford Central School as salutatorian in 1945.
Shirley married Robert A. Bridger in Middlefield.
They co-owned and operated Genter Farms on Continental Road in East Springfield until Bob’s passing, at which time she continued working the farm with her son Gary. The farm was purchased 51 years ago this month from Mrs. Choate, and it had been Bob and Shirley’s home since September 1957.
She belonged to many farm organizations, and was also involved in numerous school and church functions. In particular, she was known for the many pies she baked for the Fourth of July pie booth. A life-long avid reader of newspapers and farm-related publications, Shirley also read a tremendous number of books.
Survivors include her sister, Janice Sperbeck; daughters Mary (Ray) Roberts and Sharon (Ken) Smith; son Gary; sister and brothers-in-law Beverly and Arthur Blessin, and Milton Hart, as well as 10 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter.
In addition to her husband, Shirley was predeceased by her parents; two brothers, Donald and L. Herbert Salisbury; three children, Robert A. Bridger, Jr., JoAnne Herklotz and Richard A. Bridger, as well as by a grandson, Mark.
A graveside service is planned at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 16, at the Springfield Center Cemetery (corner of Routes 80 and 20), with the Rev. Ron Fralick officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Springfield Fire Department, 5733 State Hwy 20, East Springfield, NY 13333.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Tillapaugh Funeral Service, Cooperstown.
