Nell Bridge Cahn

Nell Bridge Cahn, 90 was born August 12, and grew up in Monroe, Louisiana. Nell was raised by her loving parents, Freida and Bernie Wilenzick. She died in Shreveport, LA on December 31, 2025, after a brief illness.

Nell attended Neville High School in Monroe, Louisiana and Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri and the University of Alabama.

Nell was active within a variety of organizations. She served as a board member for the LA State Exhibit Museum and the American Rose Center. Additionally, Nell was involved with Robinson Rescue, the Shreveport-Bossier Opera Guild and the B’nai Zion Congregation Sisterhood.

Nell was especially famous when it came to the game of bridge. She started playing bridge from the age of 14 and was a prominent figure in the ACBL, playing for over 75 years. In 1982, Nell was elected President of Shreveport Bridge Association and served on the ACBL Education Foundation that works to promote and grow the game of bridge. She was one of the first to promote and play OK Bridge, an on-line playing site for bridge. In 1991, Nell was on the winning US Women’s Team (for the Venice Cup) at the World Bridge Championship in Yokohama, Japan. She was recognized as a World Grand Life Master by the World Bridge Association.

Nell was also well known for telling wonderful anecdotes about her life that were filled with wit and wisdom. In 2024, Nell published her memoirs entitled You Can’t Make It Up. This book was filled with stories about her passions, including her family, her pets, and her decades of the deep love for the game of bridge. Nell’s stories were so entertaining, her family and friends encouraged her to write them down. What actually inspired her to finish this book was a quote she came across. “I am glad I did, instead of I wish I had.” (anonymous)

The family wants to acknowledge with love and special thanks her devoted assistants who took care of her daily needs: Seaborn Samuels, Willie Smith, CJ Hutson and Pattie Johnson.

Nell was preceded in death by her late beloved husband, Abry S. Cahn, Jr. She is survived by a daughter, Susan Cahn Abelman and husband, Arthur I. Abelman; son, Abry S. Cahn III and wife, Marylyn H. Cahn and grandson, Abry Chandler Cahn.

Nell’s final words from her book expressed her feelings about her life: “I’ve had a wonderful ride, and I wouldn’t change anything about it. I love you all very much.”

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to: B’nai Zion Congregation 245 Southfield Road, Shreveport, LA 71105, https://www.bnaizioncongregation.org/payment.php, Shreveport Bridge Club, P.O. Box 5976 Shreveport, LA 71135-5976 or Robinson’s Rescue, 2515 Line Ave, Shreveport, LA 71104, https://robinsonsrescue.org/make-a-donation/.