Eunice Jeanette Grieb Waddell Bridges
Eunice slipped away peacefully with family members by her side on July 16, 2016.
Eunice was born August 7, 1926 in Mount Morris, Michigan to George and Jeanette (Norling) Grieb. The family made several journeys between Michigan and Montana before settling down in Helena, Montana in 1931.
Eunice attended Emerson, Central and Bryant Schools and graduated from Helena High School in June 1944. Eunice worked at Mountain Bell Telephone Company in the business office for a year after graduation, then married Wally Waddell in June of 1945. She worked at the Montana Wholesale Liquor store until Eunice and Wally started their family which included three wonderful children: Connie, Glenn and Paul. Eunice loved being a wife, mother, homemaker, grandmother and friend. After the divorce in 1968, Eunice returned to the work force and had a fantastic job working in the medical office of Vern Tolstedt MD for seven years.
Eunice and Jim Bridges united in marriage July 21, 1973. Jim owned and operated a very interesting business, “Bridges Tropical Fish and Pet Supply”. Eunice resigned her position with Dr Tolstedt in 1975 and began her career where she was known as the “fish lady” by customers and lots of children. Eunice loved working with Jim. After Eunice and Jim retired, they enjoyed their home and family and traveling in the greater northwest. Jim passed away on February 17, 1993. Eunice and Jim had a beautiful spacious brick home which she sold in 1995, where upon, she purchased a new cozy home in McHugh Mobile Home Court with a view of Mt Helena. In Eunice’s new neighborhood, she knew her neighbors and kept track of the activity and wildlife in the area. If you wanted to know what was happening in the neighborhood, she most likely could tell you.
Eunice lived a very good and healthy life, and truly treasured her family. Eunice would say, “I have had a good life!” She loved to tell people how many great grandchildren she had and of their talents and activities. She loved her church, St Peter’s Episcopal Church, and enjoyed volunteering at the Bargain Basement. Eunice was a long time member of Miriam #1, Order of Eastern Star. She was a gentle, loving soul and will be greatly missed.
Eunice is predeceased by her parents, George and Jeanette Grieb; both husbands, Jim Bridges and Wally Waddell; her brothers, Russell Grieb and Kenneth Grieb; sisters-in-law, Lois Grieb and March Grieb; an infant daughter; daughter-law, Alice Waddell; and stepson, Dan Bridges.
Eunice is survived by her brother, Dick Grieb of Great Falls; her sister-in-law, Marilyn Grieb of Spokane, WA; children, Connie (Rick) Wine of Helena, Glenn (Carolyn) Waddell of Reno, NV and Paul (Connie Lee Miller) of Helena, Stepdaughter Nancy (Bert) Johnson of Fircrest, WA and daughter-in-law Mary Kellis of Superior, MT; her grandchildren, Glenn Jr (CJ) Waddell of Reno, NV, Marilyn (Cory) Olson of Helena, Debbie (Patrick) Skibicki of Helena, Jeanine Waddell of Beaverton, OR, Jon (Bri) Waddell of San Jose, CA , Jennifer (Zach) Barnes of Portland, OR, and Paul (Melissa) Madsen of Leawood, KS, Brad Johnson of Seattle, WA, Lisa (Aaron) Harris of University Place, WA and Angie (Larry) Vandeberg of Tacoma, WA. Eunice’s great grandchildren are: Tavia, Elena, Quincy, Tianna, Avery, Reece, Tashia, Eva, Penny, Alice, Brian, Matthew and Christopher. She is also survived by several beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.
Our family is grateful to the wonderful, loving staff at Aspen Gardens, 9 Bumblebee Ct. in Helena who cared for Eunice and our family these last few months, and to St Peter’s Hospice staff who allowed Eunice to live life to the fullest in her final weeks.
If you wish to make a donation in Eunice’s name, please send it to St Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral, 511 N Park, Helena, MT 59601, or St Peter’s Hospital Foundation, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601 or your charity of choice.
A graveside service will be held on 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 21, 2016 at Forestvale Cemetery. A reception will immediately follow the graveside service in social hall at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave.
Mike Kauffman says
I’ve always known Eunice to be a gentle, loving and caring person and was very saddened to
learn that she has passed away.
My condolences to her family.
May she rest in peace.
Mike and Katie Kauffman
Kris Larson says
I have never met anyone in your family, but met Eunice at Aspen Gardens after my mom died. She reminded me a lot of my mom. She said that people had told her she was like my mom but she didn’t want to mention it “in case it made you sad.” She was an unbelievably kind and gracious person. I’m so sorry for your loss –
Kris Larson
Carolyn DeYoung says
Connie, so sorry to hear of your Mom’s death. She sounded like a very special woman…much like you 🙂
Prayers for all of you. May memories give you comfort, and faith give you peace.
Carolyn
Shelley Olson says
Oh gosh, my love for Eunice began the moment I made my first delivery to her. She lived just 2 blocks from me, and often she would walk over “to see what’s new for my wrinkles.” Cute story: She bought the latest “wrinkle remover” and because of the 100% guarantee, she exchanged it because “it didn’t take my wrinkles away.” I am SO BLESSED to have had time with her. I will truly miss our visits when I would stop. I believe a part of who I am is because of her life lessons that she taught simply by living. She is in a perfect place now. With love, Shelley
John & Betty Brewer says
Paul and family we are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts and prayers go put to you all. Remember she will be with you always.
Janine (Hopkins) Miller says
Eunice was a kind, gentle lady with a sweet smile and such a good friend to my parents. I was sorry to learn that she had passed away.
Bless you, her family. She was so proud of you all!
Donna Sirucek says
Eunice had a post office box at the downtown station where I worked. She was such a joy to be around, so upbeat and positive, she will surely be missed by many