BRIDGEFORD, Maryanne

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Wednesday, January 29, 2014 Maryanne D. Bridgeford passed away at the age of 80 Thursday, Jan. 23, 2014, in her home in Prescott Valley, Ariz. Maryanne (Divin) Bridgeford was born in 1933 in the Czech community of Karlin, Mo., to Jerry and Eva Divin. She was the eldest of four children. At the age of 6, her family moved out to Southern California, seeking better opportunities in the Golden State. She married Alfred Gonzales in 1950 and they were blessed with five children. Maryanne and Alfred were divorced in 1962. Later that year she found love once again and subsequently married John Bridgeford and the marriage lasted for 38 years. After John's retirement, Maryanne and John moved to Prescott Valley in 1991. Thus, Maryanne was able to live full-time in the high desert environment that she loved. Arizona became a place of many wonderful trips and adventures for them both, as they fulfilled their interests in Native American culture, desert landscape and horticulture. After John's death in 2000, Maryanne followed her green thumb and pursued her love for all living flora and became a very active member in the Mountain View Garden Club, where she gained many close friendships with like-minded garden enthusiasts. Irises were her favorite flowers, and her own yard became a showcase for a vast variety of these beautiful flowers. Maryanne pursued her love for gardening by going to college and obtaining her Master Gardener certificate. Maryanne by nature was both curious and inquisitive. She loved to read, and had a vast interest in many subjects. She took many field trips to learn more about history, geology and the indigenous people groups. She was an active learner all of her life; only in the last days of her illness did she become unable to acquire new knowledge. Since 1974, Maryanne was a long-standing member of Al-Anon, where she served in various capacities and enjoyed numerous warm and close personal relationships and attended many conventions. The role she enjoyed most was to come alongside those who were new to the program and share the knowledge and the hope she gained from this program. In 2013, Maryanne experienced a life-changing event when she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Her bravery and zest for life as she fought her illness has been an inspiration for those who loved her so. Though these treatments had some unpleasant side effects, she never once complained, and still was able to keep her great sense of humor. Through the love and dedication of her family and excellent services of Granite Mountain Hospice, Maryanne was able to remain in her home until she peacefully took her last breath. She is preceded in death by her son Thomas; her husband John; and her brother Richard. She is survived by her children Donald, Dolores, Terre and Barbara; 14 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and her sisters Judy Scodak and Elaine O'Keefe. Maryanne will long be remembered by her family and friends for her loving heart, her laugh, wit, wisdom and courage. A memorial service is scheduled for noon Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014, at Chapel of the Valley, at Fain Park in Prescott Valley, Ariz. A gathering of family and friends will follow at Maryanne's home. Please feel free to join us as we remember and celebrate her life. Maryanne's family kindly request that in lieu of flowers, memorials be donated to Granite Mountain Hospice, 3107 Clearwater Drive, Prescott, AZ 83605. Sunrise Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements. Please visit www.sunrisefuneralhome.com to sign Maryanne's guestbook. Information provided by survivors.