Phenix, AL.
On Saturday May 3rd Bridget Walsh died suddenly while having the time of her life with “her girls” in Andalusia, AL.
Born on March 5, 1969 , to Richard and Sandra (O’Neil) Walsh , Bridget joined this world with her heart and mouth open and joyous.
Even at a young age she strived to be the best. Always showing off her talents at family functions. As a child she would organize a show and finish with her standard “ Ta-da”. She took dance class and joined American Children’s Theatre at age 8. Along side her mother Sandy O’Neil she gave so much heart and soul to the theatre on stage and behind the scenes. She performed in various shows in the chorus until there was a need for the lead in “Oliver”. Because she was young and had a raspy voice she fought to get the opportunity for the lead role. After a phenomenal performance she wanted more! Not long after she went to NYC alongside Michael Davids for a cattle call audition for the lead in “Annie”. Our girl was selected for the title role in the 3rd National Tour where she was whisked off for 18 months singing her heart out around the country. She made her family and friends so proud! It was such an amazing opportunity and one she held so dear for her entire life. Not many can experience such an incredible power and never change the genuine heart warming person she was, it only enhanced it. She returned to NH in June of 1982 after making some amazing and life long friends. Bridget continued to share her incredible voice through her school years and thoroughly enjoyed her time at Manchester West High School participating in All State Chorus, multiple stage performances and enjoying time as a “normal “ kid until graduation in 1987.
After graduation her aim was on the Big Apple so on a late June day her mom, sister Kathy and Bridget headed to the city with bags packed to find her dream. She lived in New York for 6 years singing with different groups and various locations . One of her favorites was Ellen’s Stardust Diner. Life in the big city isn’t easy or for the faint of heart. She made the choice to move back to NH to save some money with the intention of moving back. To say her family was thrilled is an understatement… their golden star had returned.
Like so many others Bridget’s plan changed when she found love twice in NH and ultimately married. She began married life to Bill Woodside with 3 stepchildren , Danielle, Billy and Andrew who she loved as her own. In 1997 the little family celebrated the birth of her son Ian James . She and her husband divorced when Ian was 4 and she focused her strength and talents on providing a strong loving home for the 2 of them. She still shared her vocal talents singing with the band Synergy around NH and Massachusetts.
Always looking to better herself Bridget took a job in claims at Anthem Health Insurance in February 2002. She threw herself heart and soul into her job absorbing so much knowledge. In April 2014 she took her first management job. From then on there was no stopping her. Like everything else she ever did she was going to be in the spotlight. Yet again Bridget shared her beautiful voice at work parties and out with friends.
Bridget devoted all her time and love to Ian often putting her needs last so that her son had everything he needed to feel safe and loved. In 2019 Ian married his love Samantha (Barton)Walsh and moved to Louisiana with his new bride. That move presented another opportunity for Bridget. She was offered another promotion but she would need to move to a different state. Anthem had an office in Columbus , GA or Hartford, CT. It seemed like a no brainer but leaving her mother and family members behind was difficult but being nearer to Ian and Sam was where her heart went.
In the past five years she soared within Anthem dazzling all who encountered her with that sparkle and shine that only she possessed.
Bridget had a way of making anyone who knew her feel special and heard whether she’d known you for a minute or a lifetime.
Bridget is pre deceased by her father Richard Walsh, mother Sandra O’Neil and brother Timothy Walsh. She is survived by her son Ian Walsh and his wife Samantha (Barton) Walsh of Alexandria, LA, her sisters Kathleen (Walsh) Bell and her husband Richard of Merrimack and Tara(Walsh) Wynands and her husband Kenneth of Manchester. She also leaves behind nieces Taryn Wynands and her fiancée Christian Nassar of Manchester, Courtney Wynands of Concord, Richard Bell III of Merrimack and her great nephews River and Jonah Nassar of Manchester. Several deeply saddened Aunts, Uncles, cousins and a whole lot of friends.
Calling hours will be held on Friday May 16th 4PM-7PM at J.N. Boufford & Sons Funeral Home, 110 Bridge Street, Manchester.
A mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9AM, Saturday May 17th at St. Raphael Church 103 Walker St, Manchester, NH . Burial to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery , Bedford where Bridget will be laid to rest in her mother’s arms.
In lieu of flowers please send donations in Bridget’s name to Theater For Young Audiences/USA so that other children can imagine their dreams.
For more information and online guestbook please visit www.bouffordfuneralhome.com.