Jeanette Bridgeford, 92, of Great Falls passed away on January 8th, 2021.
Jeanette was born November 21, 1928 in Cass Lake, MN to Emil and Elizabeth (Martin) Johnson. Jeanette received a teaching degree from St. Cloud Teachers College and taught 5th grade for 4 years in Minnesota before joining a friend on a wild adventure to Kalispell, MT. Soon after, Jeanette met Cecil Bridgeford of Geraldine, MT and the two married on December 29th, 1956 in Minneapolis, MN. Cecil and Jeanette moved to Great Falls where they raised their family. Cecil was a widower with two sons, Larry and Bill, who Jeanette cared for and helped raise. In 1958 the two had their son, Roger, who was always lovingly devoted to his mother.
Jeanette continued her teaching career at Longfellow Elementary School for 30 years. Students often remember Mrs. Bridgeford for her love of art. She made time for plays, puppet shows, and other creative outlets in class. Jeanette continued to share her passion for art and education with her granddaughter, Erica, during weekly after school activities and summer camps during her childhood.
In retirement Jeanette spent time traveling to different parts of the world, volunteering at the Paris Gibson Museum of Art, and spending time at her beloved cabin on Seeley Lake. Not one to be too sedentary, Jeanette also enjoyed working during retirement and was a familiar face at Rachel's Furniture for 13 years. Rachel Cambell, owner, and her mother Linda Larson became a second family to Jeanette--many customers thought Jeanette was Rachel’s grandmother.
To read the complete obituary and share condolences, visit the Croxford Funeral Home website.
