Martha Christine Bridgeman

Martha Bridgeman, teacher and shopkeeper, died peacefully in her sleep on August 17 at Otterbein SeniorLife in Pemberville. She was 93.

Martha Boss was born October 12, 1928, the eldest of 4 children to Jacob and Ruth Boss in Copley, OH. As a girl she worked on her uncle’s farm where she developed a lifelong love of gardening. She met her future husband, Bruce Bridgeman, in middle school and the sweethearts were married in 1949 soon after Bruce’s return from military service. Following her graduation from Kent State University in 1953, Martha embarked on a career in education as a grade school teacher. After raising four children, she earned a MS degree in special education in 1974 and became one of the first of a new cohort of teachers in Ohio focused on helping students overcome learning disabilities. After retiring in 1982, Martha worked with her husband at the then newly-reopened Lonz Winery on Middle Bass Island from 1981-86. She started a gift shop that eventually expanded to occupy the largest space at the winery. She later opened her own shop in Marblehead, ‘Martha’s Barn Out Back’ where she created dried flower wreaths and arrangements. Martha also traveled extensively with her husband, visiting family across the US and abroad. She was an active member and singer in the choir of St. John Lutheran Church in Port Clinton.

Martha is remembered for her boundless energy, her quick smile, her love of music, and her devotion to Bruce and her family. Her grandchildren fondly remember her fairy garden, Christmas village, fishing on Lake Erie, and making cookies.

Martha and Bruce were married for 72 years before Bruce’s death on July 12 and they were reunited only a few weeks later. In addition to her husband, Martha was preceded in death by her siblings Norman Boss, and Lois Eckart; and her children Daniel, Paul, and Rebecca. She is survived by her brother Karl; son Thomas; and grandchildren Ross Bridgeman, Maria Luna, Hadiyah Ferhat, Sakinah Ferhat, and Mira Bridgeman. The family asks that memorials be sent to Anne Grady Services for adults and children with intellectual disabilities (annegrady.org).

A visitation will be held at St. John Lutheran Church in Port Clinton, Ohio (207 Adams Street) from 10 am -12 pm on October 8, 2022, with a memorial service immediately following to honor the lives of Bruce and Martha.