Bridget died Christmas Eve 2014. Twenty years ago, when I was new to Birthright, Bridget was already a seasoned volunteer. I remember a training shift with Bridget all those years ago. Upon learning that I had not brought a lunch, she promptly split her sandwich with me. That was the kind of person she was. Generous. Kind. Strong-willed. A former midwife who came from England as a young woman to work in the Canadian Arctic delivering babies before retiring to Victoria. In many ways, Bridget lived a quiet, private life, and yet she also made lifelong friends by introducing herself to strangers at bus stops. Bridget loved to talk and visit, and take care of others. She had that mothering instinct well-honed, even though she never married or had children of her own. At a goodbye tea for her when we knew she was dying, Bridget was to be found offering trays of food around. She was humble that way. For our small group of volunteers, Bridget was a part of our close-knit “Birthright family”.
Rest in Peace, old friend; you will be dearly missed.
