Bridget Holland passed away after a short but valiant fight with cancer on Saturday April 13, 2024, at the age of 81. Bridget Ann Halloran was born August 19, 1942, to William Ross and Jane (Gillan) Halloran in Minneapolis, MN. Once her father was discharged from the military following WW II, the family relocated to Portland, OR. Bridget was followed by two brothers, Dan and Pat.

Bridget was raised attending Catholic schools in Portland, graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School. She then attended the University of Oregon and was a lifelong Ducks fan.

Bridget met Chuck Holland on a blind date and the rest was history. They were married on June 12, 1965. The following year they were blessed with their first child, Caitlin. Two years later came Charles III (Chip), and three years later, Amy.

The family moved around with Chuck's insurance career to Portland, Bellevue, and Boise, then finally settled in Helena in the early 70's, near Chuck's family in Great Falls.

In the early days, Bridget was the busiest of moms. From the PTA to cheering sports fan, Bridget was always deeply involved in the lives of Caity, Chip, and Amy. As the kids grew older, Bridget returned to the working world, enjoying a job at The Needle Bug bringing together her social personality and her love of all types of needle work. The Needle Bug was followed by a stint at Leslie's Hallmark, and then onto a career in Association Management. Bridget worked with the Retail Association, Tire Dealers Association, and Implement Dealers Associations, ultimately finding the best fit in the Helena and Montana Building Industry Associations where she made many, many friends.

Bridget never met a person she couldn't strike up a conversation with (much to the chagrin of her children when they waited 30 minutes or more in the grocery store for Bridget to wrap up a conversation with a random stranger). After finishing up her working life, Bridget found her ultimate calling within the realm of the Republican Party. One could never enter Chuck and Bridget's home, without noticing Fox News broadcasting 24-7! She loved to ask anyone who entered "what's the scuttlebutt?" or "what's happening in the world?" Bridget worked as an election judge, and filled many roles as campaign treasurer, precinct representative, and as a member of the Lewis and Clark Central Committee, Lewis and Clark Pachyderms, Lewis and Clark Republican Women, and more. She found devoted and lifelong friends through these organizations.

In her last days, Bridget talked a lot about the time she spent as a mother, and her children being her greatest pride and joy. And, of course, the grandchildren that later came along, were equally her greatest accomplishments. Few who knew Bridget did not hear stories and "mom brags" about her three children and eleven grandchildren. The opportunity to be a part of their lives brought her immense happiness.

Bridget is survived by her children Cait (Greg) Clark of Hayden, ID, Chip (Paula) Holland, of Montana City, and Amy (Pat) Sassano of Helena. She is also survived by her grandchildren Madison (Tanner) Roberts, Kyle Clark, and Ross Clark; CJ (Fiancé Kady Richards) Holland, Tylar (Fiancé Kyle Nielson) Holland, Taryn Holland, Casey Holland, and Cade Holland; and Colin Sassano, Cale Sassano, and Cohen Sassano. Other family members surviving Bridget are her brother, Dan Halloran, and Sister-in-Law, Marcia Holland. Her small family also included nieces and nephews, Erin Halloran, Timothy Halloran, Jim Holland, Kristin McKinnon, and Julie Casey. Bridget also left behind many treasured friends and neighbors that felt like family. Not to be forgotten, Bridget was survived by her and Chuck's "baby" – a miniature schnauzer named Jimmy Cricket.

Bridget was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Jane Halloran, brother, Pat Halloran, Sister and Brother-in-Laws, Karen Halloran, Bob and Patricia Lunn, Mike and Donna Holland, and Jim Holland. Bridget was also preceded in death by two more of her "babies", miniature schnauzers Sophie and Ike.

Bridget's family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Elizabeth Bigger and the staff at the cancer treatment center, Nurse Melinda and the staff of Headwaters Hospice Care, and the staff of the Comfort Care Suites at St Peter's Health. Further thanks would like to be given to Tony and Robyn Arntson, as close to family as could be, for helping with everything Bridget's family needed from trimming hedges to shopping, to washing Bridget's beautiful silver hair.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday May 4th at 2:00 PM at Brother's Tapworks in downtown Helena. Those attending should come ready to share their favorite "Bridget Story". In lieu of flowers or donations, please spend time with your family! It is time to be treasured and time you can never get back. Simple Cremation Montana has assisted the family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Helena Independent Record on Apr. 20, 2024.