Loving mother, social butterfly

LeAnn Bridges, a two-year resident of Claremont, died peacefully on June 30, 2014 with her daughter and daughter-in-law by her side. She was 70.

Mrs. Bridges was born November 21, 1943 to Edith and Lee Robbins in Bradford, Pennsylvania. She was a 35-year resident of Salamanca, New York and graduated from Salamanca High School in 1961. She worked for Empire Search Company for 32 years, retiring as the manager in 2004.

While growing up in Salamanca she met the love of her life, Thomas Bridges, and married him on February 15, 1963. Mrs. Bridges was a loving mother, sewing matching outfits for herself and her daughter until young Dawn rebelled against the clothing coordination at the age of 10.

After Tom’s death in 2004, she moved to Virginia to be near family. In 2012, she and her beloved companion Logan, a Shetland sheepdog, moved to California to be near her daughter. Mrs. Bridges was delighted with the move, telling friends and family on the east coast they needed to come and visit because she loved her new city so much.

Over the past two years of living in Claremont, she made many new friends among her neighbors at the Claremont Villas. A decided extrovert with a dry sense of humor, Mrs. Bridges enjoyed Saturday coffees with her friends at the senior community. She was excited to participate in the exercise programs at both the Joslyn and Blasdell senior centers and was eager to have the instructor start teaching the pool exercise class at the Claremont Villas. 

Mrs. Bridges also enjoyed the opportunities afforded by living near the Claremont Village and spent as much time as possible walking around town and taking in events like the Sunday farmer’s market. On Wednesdays she headed for the local Laemmle Theatre where they offer weekly discounts to seniors. Her family reports that she saw more movies during the past two years than she had during the previous decade.

Mrs. Bridges was also a big music fan and was especially fond of country western and Christian music. While in Claremont, she enjoyed the live bands that perform throughout the Village on Friday nights as well as the summer concerts at Memorial Park. The local rock ‘n roll band The Dogs was a particular favorite.

Mrs. Bridges also enjoyed a good road trip and traveled across the country a few times during the last five years, visiting family on the east coast and in central states like Illinois and Kentucky. Whether she and her daughter were following historic Route 66 or traversing US Route 40, Mrs. Bridges always wanted to sightsee along the way, making stops at places like Opryland and the Grand Canyon.

“She was just incredibly social,” her daughter said.

Mrs. Bridges is survived by her daughter Dawn (Leigh Anne) Bridges of Claremont, by her brother Keith Robbins of New Egypt, New Jersey and by her brother Lester (Kim) Robbins of  Kents Store, Virginia. She also leaves her brother Roy (Diane) Robbins of Glen Allen, Virginia, her sister Ethel (Jay) Durham of Johnston City, Illinois, her sister Judy (Ronnie) Reid of West Paducah, Kentucky and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made by check payable to the Claremont Senior Foundation, 660 N. Mountain Ave., Claremont, CA 91711.