Jo Bridges
Jo An Bridges, 87, of Bellevue, WA, passed away at her home on September 21, 2024, after a brief and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. A beloved wife, mother, grammy, sister and friend, Jo will always be remembered for her kindness, warm smile and energetic spirit.
Born on August 3rd, 1937, in Olympia, WA, Jo was the daughter of Stanley Leonard Sulenes and Marie Mekkes Sulenes and sister to Stanley Richard Sulenes. Jo attended Olympia High School where she met the love of her life, Ted Bridges. They were crowned prom queen and king their senior year, and graduated together in 1955. They were married in 1959 and started a family soon thereafter.
In addition to motherhood, Jo worked full-time for most of her life. She spent much of her career working at country clubs and enjoyed the variety of roles it presented. She valued the relationships she built over many years with her co-workers and club members. Jo worked at Overlake Golf and Country Club for 36 years where she retired at the age of 74 as their membership director.
Jo lived a long and active life full of many joys. She loved cooking, hosting gatherings, helping others, gardening, and taking daily walks. She and Ted were huge sports fans, having enjoyed season tickets to the Seahawks, Sonics, and UW Huskies for many years. She additionally was a Village Theater patron for 28 years. Jo’s favorite place to visit was Kauai where she and Ted vacationed with dear friends for more than 30 years. She also cherished spending time at Roche Harbor and being on the water with her children and grandchildren. Family was always most important to Jo. She and Ted’s many dear friends were considered family too. They frequently joined the family at the traditional annual Christmas Eve party Jo and Ted started decades ago and which continues to this day.
Jo was preceded in death by her adoring husband of 63 years, Ted Bridges, her mother Marie Mekkes Sulenes, and father Stanley Leonard Sulenes. She is survived by her three children: Craig Bridges, Cara Blenz (Jeff), Tana Ridgeway (Jim); six grandchildren: Jessica Bridges, McKenna Blenz-Alafgani (Jason), Connor Ridgeway, Chandler Ridgeway (Kerrie), Chad Blenz, Katherine Ridgeway; one great-grandchild: Theodore “Teddy” Alafgani; her brother Stan Sulenes; in addition to many brothers and sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces and cousins.
The family wishes to send a special thank you to Dr. Gentry King and his care team at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle and to the caretakers at Annie’s Loving Care. You placed hope into Jo’s world when she needed it most, and treated her with compassion, respect, and honesty.
An intimate family gathering will be held on December 14th, 2024, to honor and celebrate Jo’s long and beautiful life. Please share any fond memories you have of Jo below.
The post first appeared on Barton Family Funeral Service.