Ann Marie Bridges

Ann Marie Nielsen Bridges, age 88, passed away in Murray, Utah on December 20. 2024. Ann Marie was born September 6, 1936, at the family home in Monroe, Utah to J Wells Nielsen and Virginia Dyches Nielsen. Most of her growing up years were spent in Monroe where she attended both primary and secondary schools, with the exception of 1 year of school in Kuna, Idaho. Graduating with honors from South Sevier High School, she attended Brigham Young University where she met her husband, Sherwood Elgin Bridges. They were married June 2, 1956 in the Manti Utah Temple. They moved to Logan to attend Utah State University, and later they moved to the Tremonton-Garland area where they lived for 10 years with their four daughters. When her husband was offered a professorship at Central Michigan University, they moved to Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.

Ann Marie received her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, (graduating with Magna Cum Laude honors) as well as a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Central Michigan University. She went to work at the newly formed division of External Degree Programs at Central Michigan University where she remained for 23 years, primarily as Director of Undergraduate Programs and Independent Learning. She and her department were recognized by the National University Continuing Education Association (NUCEA) as having the best Independent Study program in the nation. After retirement from CMU she and Sherwood moved to Monroe, Utah for a number of years where they were able to establish and teach in the Monroe Utah Family History and Training Center. After leaving Monroe, they moved to Springville, Utah, spending the winter months at their home in Lake Havasu, AZ.

Ann Marie was an active and faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She has served as Ward Relief Society President and Counselor, Primary President, Young Women’s Presidency, teacher, organist, and choir director. She served in Stake callings as Relief Society President, Relief Society Secretary, Organist, and Family History Trainer. She served as “Excursion/Limited” Temple workers, bring members of their Mt. Pleasant, MI Ward to the Chicago Temple; they also served an LDS mission to Monterrey, Mexico.

Ann Marie is survived by her four “only true daughters”, Terilyn (Nick) Mead, Carin (Kent) Hadley, Dyana (Richard) DeVries, Jenifer (Wayne) Boren, her sister Pamela (Joseph) Cottle, 21 grandchildren, 49 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. 

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