Obituary of Karen Eileen Bridgeman

Karen Eileen Bridgeman, age 71, passed away Thursday, June 23rd, 2022, at her home in Andover, Minnesota.

Karen was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to parents Norman and Delphine Gallagher. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in studio arts. A lifelong learner, she would go on to get math and science degrees from both Allgheny and Anoka Ramsey Community College, eventually earning her masters in math education from Augsburg University. As a woman of many talents, Karen worked as a land surveyor tech, draftsperson, art instructor, and math teacher. Karen would meet her husband, James, while persuing her brown belt in karate. After having their first son, Ian, they moved to Minnesota, where they had their second son, Alex.

Karen is survived by her husband of 40 years, James Bridgeman, her son, Alex Bridgeman, and her sisters Erin Smith, Colleen Krivanek, and Ronda Light. She died surrounded by her family, family friends, and her faithful dogs.

She is welcomed home by her parents, Norman and Delphine Gallagher, her brother, Thomas Gallagher, and her son, Ian Bridgeman, who passed before her.

Services for her passing will be private.

Karen will be remembered for her artistic passions. She worked in many mediums throughout her life, including sculpting, visual arts, and piano. During her teaching career, she loved to incorporate origami as a geometry teaching tool. Karen continued to pursue art in later life. From figure drawing, to stunning nature watercolors, to Celtic knots, these works of art will continue to be treasured by her family. Her love of all things Celtic extended beyond art as well, and led her to visits to Scotland with her husband, and a passion for learning the history and stories of Scotland's people.

More than anything, Karen will be remembered for her generous spirit and tenacious kindness. As a mother, wife, and friend, there was no end to the lengths Karen would go in the pursuit of the well-being of others. We carry that spirit in our hearts, and know that we honor her every time we express love for others. She will be missed.