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Kathleen BRIDGES Obituary
BRIDGES, Kathleen (Condra)
The following was written in Kathleen's own hand:
Born in Southeastern Tennessee to descendants of two pioneer families proud of their heritage, Kathleen Condra Bridges was the daughter of Albert C. and Lula Hudson Condra of South Pittsburg, Tennessee. Born July 1, 1920 and died January 29, 2014 in Sacramento, California, she graduated with honors from the State Teacher's College (now the East Tennessee State University) and was recognized in Who's Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities.
Kathleen taught in the elementary schools of Marion County, transferring to Tyner High School in Chattanooga, Tennessee when, in 1943, she married her childhood sweetheart John D. Bridges of Whitwell, Tennessee. They moved to Sacramento, California in 1944, where he was a civilian employee of what was then the Sacramento Army Depot.
Kathleen is pre-deceased by her parents, her only brother A.C. Condra, Jr. and her beloved husband John who died in 1974. She is survived by her cherished daughter, Kathy Anne, and loving son-in-law Charles Thomas of Sacramento, California; two nephews, Glenn and Sam Condra, and their families in Tennessee and Mississippi; three great nephews, Alex, Ian and Nate; one great niece, Kirby; and many cousins.
Although Kathleen attended Fremont Presbyterian Church in Sacramento, she was a lifetime member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in her hometown. At her request, there will be no service. Her ashes will be interred beside her husband and family at Sequatchie Valley Memorial Gardens in her beloved Tennessee.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
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Kathy
September 6, 2025
I used your best-loved, most-used Lodge skillet to cook dinner tonight. It was as if you were right beside me, except this time you were learning instead of teaching. I hope you were proud.
Kathy
August 23, 2025
I am so glad you have escaped knowing the third-world country that is now America. If you were here, you'd know exactly what I mean. It is unrecognizable. And still I wake to this beauty every day.
Kathy
July 26, 2025
A dear friend baked me a "No Kings" cake, inspired by a recipe from David Lebovitz I had sent him. We spent an afternoon together eating cake and talking about life. His hospitality and charm reminds me so much of you.
Kathy
July 4, 2025
Thinking of you tonight, on this your favorite holiday.
Kathy
July 1, 2025
Thinking of you on what would have been your 105th. Remembering what a loving, kind, compassionate human being you were, and how lucky I was to have you for a mom.
Jennifer Harwood
July 1, 2025
I remembered today was your birthday. You are still thought of fondly. We still refer to your house as "Kathleen's house", even though you've been gone so long. Happy 4th. I know you always loved this holiday.
Kathy
June 23, 2025
You would not recognize today´s world, but you would see him for exactly who he is. Wherever you are, the world needs your prayers now more than ever. I love you, mom.
Kathy
May 23, 2025
Thinking of you today and sending love. I so wish we could have a conversation.
Kathy
May 11, 2025
How unbelievably brave you were to become a mother. I´m so deeply grateful you are mine.
Kathy
April 29, 2025
Thinking of you today. I still wonder what they thought I meant when I said the "freshest" flowers they could source. The look on Sam´s face was priceless.
Kathy
April 23, 2025
Thinking you would appreciate the raw beauty of my surroundings as much as you did where you grew up. Love and miss you.
Kathy
March 23, 2025
I must have been dreaming about you last night as you were the first person I thought about when I awakened. If you can blanket the world with that deep compassion of yours, please do it. We need it now more than ever.
Kathy
February 26, 2025
I think of you every day when I pull out your hat pin from my cosmetic kit and use it to separate my eyelashes.
Kathy
February 22, 2025
Thank you for giving me life.
Kathy
January 26, 2025
Thinking of you two and hoping you are laughing like crazy. If I listen very closely, I can almost hear you.
Kathy
December 24, 2024
Next to the 4th of July, this was your favorite holiday. You went all out every year. I did t get that gene, and I sure do miss you with my whole heart.
Kathy
November 24, 2024
Woke up thinking of you. This time of year is not the same without you. The storms, the rain, the PNW gray...worsen my grief. I miss you, mom.
Kathy
November 16, 2024
Deb Sims posted a photo on Instagram today that reminded me of this image of you. We had so much fun taking this photo together when I got my first DSLR. As much fun as all the Bluebirds had when Deb´s mom was our group leader.
Kathy
October 23, 2024
You popped into my head just now. Thanks for stopping in.
Kathy
September 23, 2024
Gosh, how I wish you had been here to see this. First day of fall. Looked like a painting!
Kathy
September 7, 2024
We do not grieve for the ones we love returning to the wind & earth, but for never enough time in this place together.-Brian Andreas
Kathy
August 21, 2024
I´m thinking of you. How smart you were. How loving you were. How compassionate you were. I wish I had told you just how much I admired you.
Kathy
July 25, 2024
Sue has been visiting. She asked me if you had ever worked. I told her you had been a teacher, and that the only regret you had ever expressed was not being able to teach after dad became ill. I still remember finding your approved application to teach in California in your safe deposit box after you died. I love you, mom.
Kathy
July 1, 2024
Thinking of you on what would have been your 104th birthday. I miss you every day still.
Kathy
June 23, 2024
It´s "Junuary" on Whidbey, when the weather is entirely unpredictable and the wait time for ferries becomes longer each day as summer visitors begin arriving. I wish you were her to enjoy this weekend´s garden tour. You would love seeing everything in bloom.
Kathy
May 23, 2024
Thinking about you and sending love. Still waiting for the Orcas to visit this year, but did have a beautiful rainbow right off the deck.
Kathy
May 12, 2024
Thinking of you today. Remembering what a truly remarkable woman and mom you were. Thank you.
Kathy
April 29, 2024
It´s that day again. I always feel it coming days ahead of time. I´m not close enough to tidy up and pull the weeds, so every year I do it in my mind from wherever I am. Thank you for the gift of life.
Kathy
April 12, 2024
I just rewatched you telling the story of your baby doll so I could hear your voice. I miss you.
Kathy
March 23, 2024
I have no idea why, and yesterday I thought about the caramel popcorn balls you used to make when I was a kid. Wish I had that recipe!
Kathy
March 1, 2024
It´s been 50 years since dad died, and 10 years since you died. How I long to know the secret of where you are and who you are in the present! Have either of you reincarnated? Are you together? Do I know you? Send me a sign!
Kathy
February 21, 2024
I´m celebrating you today. Thank you for everything.
Kathy
January 29, 2024
The last nine years have brought many changes. My love and gratitude for you have deepened. it seems this morning´s sunrise was delivered in your honor.
Kathy
January 23, 2024
We had some weather last week. It looks like snow but it´s really accumulated hail. Lasted long enough to be pretty but not so long to create travel challenges. Love you.
Kathy
December 22, 2023
Thinking of you. Remembering when we were alive together.
Kathy
November 23, 2023
Thinking of you today. Remembering all those big family Thanksgivings around the turkey table at Bill´s and Dean´s. Like the "year of the pig" when Betty served herself the entire bowl of mashed potatoes and gravy in protest. I never appreciated then what great memories we were making.
Kathy
October 23, 2023
It's definitely fall. Leaves everywhere. Reminds me of that Modesto Ash in your neighbor's yard that used to cover yours with leaves and cones. I was so worried you would trip one day, but you never did. I love you, Mom.
Kathy
September 23, 2023
It´s definitely fall in the PNW. I started feeling it yesterday, that slight change in the temperature, the bit of heaviness in the air. You would be preparing the garden for winter. I´m looking at it and thinking I hope it survives. Are you laughing yet?
Kathy
September 1, 2023
It was a beautiful day on the island, following days of smoke in the passage. Thank you for making being here possible.
Kathy
July 24, 2023
Thinking you would know the name of this spiky pink flower in the garden at the Inn at Langley. And me? No idea! Instead of trying to figure it out, I'm sending love throughout the universe directly to you.
Kathy
June 23, 2023
One of the reasons I choose to get coffee here is the bouquet of the day. Cut flowers always remind me of you and how much you loved bringing the outdoors inside.
Kathy
June 12, 2023
I got my monthly update on Kroy Way from Judy today. They´re planning the annual block party. You will be missed and remembered!
Kathy
May 12, 2023
It´s Mother´s Day weekend. When you were alive, I would plan the celebration days in advance. Even though you´ve been gone for so long, I still find myself wanting to have a celebration. Of you. Of your life. Of how you did motherhood. In the way only you could. Thank you.
Kathy
May 5, 2023
Feeling deep gratitude for having been birthed and loved by you.
Kathy
April 23, 2023
Remembering our trip to Britex. I loved that dress. I was astonished when I found it in your cedar closet, preserved as if brand new. And while I didn´t have room to onto us storing the dress, I did keep the velvet sash and sparkly buckle. You were quite the seamstress.
Kathy
March 26, 2023
When I saw this, I could think only of the many hours you "slaved" over a hot stove to put dinner on the table for Daddy and me. Always from scratch. Never any shortcuts. I have no idea how you did it day after day after day.
Kathy
March 1, 2023
Been thinking about you a lot lately. And, of course, daddy´s birthdate is today, just 105 years later. Feeling very nostalgic, and missing you.
Kathy
January 29, 2023
Thinking of you on this day. Wishing you were here so I could hold your hand and remind you how loved you are.
Kathy
January 23, 2023
Ruth Ann sent this. You must have been throwing a party (where are the characteristic decorations for which you are known?). I'm sure you'll recognize everyone. Even I recognize Rod and Helen and Kaye. Send me a sign if you've reconnected with any of them!
Kathy
January 10, 2023
This was pretty exciting. Our restaurant, Localis, was awarded a Michelin star!
Kathy
December 25, 2022
Every where I turn there´s a Christmas reminder of you. Merry Christmas, Mom.
Kathy
December 17, 2022
It´s almost Christmas, you´re second favorite holiday. We´ll be celebrating quietly this year and thinking of you and the delight you brought to everyone´s lives.
Kathy
November 23, 2022
On this Thanksgiving, know that I will be thinking of you with deep gratitude.
Kathy
October 23, 2022
So much smoke from fires on the mainland that we can´t see the water, or town or Camano, or the mountains. Do they exist if we can´t see them? I know what you´d say!
Kathy
September 24, 2022
Sharing the last of summer´s Dahlias, so large that the bloom obscures your beautiful bedside vase. Thinking of you with love and gratitude.
Kathy
August 27, 2022
We had a special visitor last week feeding just below the deck. Every time we get a visit I feel my deep appreciation for this experience, which is only possible because of you.
Kathy
August 24, 2022
We had an amazing sunrise last week. I could see your essence in the light.
Kathy
August 7, 2022
You would have loved eating fresh Dungeness crab caught from the waters surrounding our sweet island. Thanks to good friends with a boat, we had an amazing meal. Wish you could have joined us!
Kathy
July 31, 2022
We had our first meal out in a very long time, seated in the field where the food was grown. We spent time with good friends savoring each morsel. For a few hours it felt almost like life before the pandemic. Almost.
Kathy
July 23, 2022
I celebrated Sam´s birthday yesterday and imagined the two of you together and laughing. I feel the daily influence of your presence in my life, even though you have been gone now for a very long time. I say a little prayer of thanks each time I think of you.
Kathy
July 2, 2022
How time flies when I'm self-absorbed. I thought about you on the 30th, and I thought about you today. And somehow I missed writing you a birthday love note yesterday. Hope this will do: I love you more than I can say, more than I have ever loved you and more than I was sure I could love another. You were the best mom ever. Jan left you some hydrangeas from her garden. I hope you liked them!
Kathy
June 23, 2022
The wisteria has one single bloom on it this year, after being cut back to nothing last year. Even better, it has attracted robins to build a nest. Every morning we look out and momma robin is happily sitting on her eggs. We're going to have babies. So exciting!
Kathy
June 11, 2022
It's that time of year when all of your favorite plants flower. Our yard is full of rhodies in bloom, and the dogwood is especially showy this year. Wish I had a cutting of your Honeysuckle Rhododendron. I remember how heartbroken you were when your next door neighbors accidentally killed it. I bet you never did tell them!
Kathy
June 7, 2022
It's finally springtime on Whidbey (crossing my fingers!) and you would love how green and glorious everything it is. Like living in a secret garden. Wish you were here so I could share it with you.
Kathy
May 31, 2022
Remember when you sent me to elementary school wearing corrective shoes? I remember them as humongous, ugly oxfords intended to fix my flat feet. I don´t know if you ever figured out that I hid an extra pair of regular, i.e., attractive, shoes in my locker that I changed into as soon as I got to school. I sometimes wonder if I might have arches if I had worn those oxfords. And now it´s 60 years later and I have finally condescended to buy a pair. I thought you, more than anyone, would appreciate this. Sending love.
Kathy
May 23, 2022
Every morning we´re greeted by a group of hummingbirds fighting for their turn at the feeders. Every time I watch them I´m reminded of the feeder on your patio and how much joy you felt watching the hummingbirds enjoy the flowers in your garden.
Kathy
May 8, 2022
Another Mother´s Day is here and I am celebrating all the you are, and all that you will ever be. You were an extraordinary mother and I was very fortunate to have you for a mom. Thank you for your many and ceaseless gifts of love.
Chase Green
May 8, 2022
In honor of your memory I wanted to post a picture from your home and an area that was special to you. Even though we never spoke I am grateful for our shared history. Happy Mother's Day.
Kathy
April 23, 2022
Spring is trying to spring here. And it would be succeeding except for the pea-sized hail we had this week. The good news is that we have more hummingbirds than ever, and some day I'll actually get a photo of all of them. In the meantime, here's looking at you!
Kathy
March 30, 2022
I think about all the kindnesses you showed people during your lifetime and it makes me want to be a better person. Missing you today and all days.
Kathy
March 22, 2022
Vicki Bailey Wells, just posted photos of you and dad in honor of what would have been her mother's and dad's first cousin's (Norma Barber Bailey) 99th birthday. She wrote "On the left is my mother's first cousin, John D. Bridges from Whitwell. He married the beautiful lady on the right, Kathleen Condra Bridges of South Pittsburg. Kathleen was the sister of A.C. Condra. John and Kathleen moved to California where they lived most of their lives. I first met Kathleen at Jasper Cumberland Presbyterian when she would come to visit A.C. and Dean Condra. I met John D. when he would come to visit his Uncle Lawrence Barber, my grandfather."
Kathy
February 19, 2022
Thinking of you and dad today on what would have been your wedding anniversary. I know it was your fondest dream to be reunited. I hope you have found each other again, wherever you might be. I can feel your love for me even now.
Kathy
February 5, 2022
Yes, it's time again for your favorite winter Olympic sport: ice skating. Go Team USA. Can't watch a routine without thinking of you!
Kathy
January 29, 2022
It was eight years ago today that I was holding your hand and heard you whisper in awe "It's like an iridescent opal." I miss you still.
Kathy
January 11, 2022
You´ll be happy to know that Charlie has continued your tradition. When it´s freezing outside, he brings the feeders in every night and puts them out first thing each morning. It takes a 100-light string of Christmas lights to keep the nectar from freezing.
Kathy
December 28, 2021
I read a quote today that shade me think of you immediately. It said "Now that I´m an adult, I know where Christmas `magic´ comes from. It´s from mothers totally determined to make it happen." Thanks, Mom, for the many magical holidays you made happen through force of will alone. You were an amazing mother.
Kathy
December 24, 2021
Thinking of you and the many Christmas celebrations we shared. If it weren´t for the pandemic, I´d be wishing you were here. You always did have great timing.
Kathy
December 4, 2021
This is the third time I´ve thought if you today. Just wanted you to know. It happens throughout every day. And every time, I feel the love...you for me and me for you.
Kathy
November 22, 2021
Thinking of you as I putter in the kitchen getting the ingredients together for pumpkin pie. And, yes, your pecan pie is still my favorite.
Kathy
October 31, 2021
You would definitely have enjoyed all the Halloween magic that happens on the island. Thinking of you and loving you on your third favorite (?) holiday of the year!
Kathy
October 27, 2021
Every time I'm gifted with flowers I'm reminded of you. I've been reminded of you a lot lately. I miss you.
Kathy
October 16, 2021
Fall arrived overnight and we have had some spectacular sunrises. If you were here, we'd be buying plants and getting them in the ground before winter arrives. Since you're not here, I'll be, in your words, "leaving well enough alone."
Kathy
September 26, 2021
I knew the moment I saw this exactly where Jan was when she took it. Thinking of you with so much love, and imagining how much fun you and Uncle Looney used to have in that swimming hole in Looney Creek!
Kathy
September 20, 2021
We had a beautiful, albeit short-lived, sunset tonight. The dreamy seascape made me think of you and how much you appreciated beauty, found endless things to marvel at, always saw the light no matter who or what the subject. I love and miss you.
Kathy
August 31, 2021
I woke up thinking of you today and wanted you to know that I miss you every single day.
Kathy
August 24, 2021
This is proof that I can actually grow something. OK, so it's really only proof that I can keep something alive that someone else grew. I know you are as astonished as I am! And I'm reminded that "Even the prettiest flower will die one day. It´s nature´s way of teaching us that nothing lasts forever."-Anonymous
August 2, 2021
Jan sent me this photo. It makes me smile imagining what you and Sam are doing. You were so much alike. Impish. Easy to laugh. Kind. I love and miss you both.
Kathy
July 24, 2021
I decided to clean and protect the sweet wooden box with the inlaid "K" on top that Daddy made you for your 16th birthday. You filled it with treasures from my childhood. Dress pins from one grandma. Sweater clips from another. My baby rattle. The heart pendant that I left a tooth mark in when I was teething. Your Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities pin. So many treasures. I'm missing you.
Kathy Bridges
July 1, 2021
You have been in my thoughts for days as you would have been 101 years of age today. It would have tickled you silly to have made it. Sam's neighbor Jan celebrated you by placing hydrangeas on your grave today. You are so precious. I love and miss you. Happy Birthday wherever you are.
Kathy Bridges
June 22, 2021
I was thinking about you today during my ferry trip to America. I was hoping to come home with a big bouquet of peonies to put in your cut glass vase. Alas, it was so warm that they were wilted. It feels kind of like being in Sacramento, just 20 degrees cooler. So happy to get home and sit on the deck, watch the sea, and feel the breeze. Wish you were here to share it.
Kathy
May 31, 2021
When the Laburnum arbor was in full bloom last week, I sat underneath its wisteria-like blooms. I do this every year thinking it may get me in touch with my inner gardener (it never does). And once again this year, I imagined you sitting next to me telling me a story from childhood while sharing the peacefulness together.
Kathy
May 9, 2021
Soon, families with young children will be enjoying your childhood swimming hole in Looney’s Creek. I feel blessed to have found the perfect people to carry on our family’s legacy for generations to come. Happy Mother’s Day!
Kathy
April 29, 2021
I miss you still, and I always will.
Kathy Bridges
April 22, 2021
I awakened to an ethereal view of the passage. At first, I thought I was in the middle of a David Price encaustic painting. Then I realized it was you visiting. Thank you for the glorious day.
Kathy
April 4, 2021
I was talking to Charlie the other night when he interrupted me to say something, then apologized and asked what I was going to say. I told him I couldn't remember, because I couldn't. In that moment, as clearly as if you were in the room, I heard you say "must not have been very important." And I guess it wasn't as I still haven't remembered it!
Kathy
March 24, 2021
We had a beautiful double rainbow rising from the middle of the passage a few days ago. This is such a glorious place. I wish you were here to experience it with us.
Kathy
March 6, 2021
You should recognize this measuring cup. I think of you each time I use it, and then wonder how many years it took you to make all those white markings that turned the cup from clear to opaque. You must have used a metal spoon thousands of times, something I am sure you would have admonished me for doing if you had caught me!
Kathy
February 21, 2021
Thank you for this day, and for all the days of my life. I wish you were here to celebrate with me. You would have especially enjoyed my birthday concert, which began with the Tennessee Waltz and brought tears to my eyes. I love you dearly and miss you still.
Kathy Bridges
February 16, 2021
Thank you for this life, Mom. It's been a wild and wonderful ride.
Kathy
January 29, 2021
There is so much I would say to you if you were here. Today, I'll settle for telling you how much you are loved, which is so much more than I think you knew.
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