In Loving Memory of Bridgette Zawatski: A Life Filled with Grace, Strength, and Unforgettable Kindness
It is with profound sorrow and unimaginable grief that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our dear friend, Bridgette Zawatski. After a difficult and courageous battle during her time in the ICU over the past few weeks, Bridgette passed away, leaving behind a deep void in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
There are few words that can truly capture the depth of this loss. Bridgette was a rare and beautiful soul—someone whose presence lit up every room, whose laughter brought joy, and whose compassion lifted others during their darkest moments. Her passing has not only devastated her family and closest friends but has rippled through an entire community of people who were privileged to walk through life with her, however briefly.
Bridgette was the kind of friend you could count on at any hour. She had a fierce and steady heart—someone who showed up without being asked, offered support without condition, and gave of herself freely. Whether through a heartfelt message, a shoulder to cry on, or her gift of simply listening, Bridgette reminded people that they were not alone. Her empathy was boundless. Her loyalty unmatched.
Her strength in the face of recent health struggles was both humbling and inspiring. Even during her time in the ICU, Bridgette fought with a quiet determination and resilience that reflected the way she lived her life: with dignity, grace, and grit. Though those final weeks were incredibly hard, she was surrounded by the love of those who refused to leave her side—proof of the deep impact she made on those around her.
Bridgette had a spark—an energy that made life feel lighter, more colorful, more hopeful. She had a laugh that could dissolve the heaviest silence, and a smile that could make a stranger feel seen. Her passions were many—be it art, music, travel, or simply making memories with the people she loved—but the common thread running through everything she did was her genuine love for life and her deep care for others.
To know Bridgette was to love her, and to be loved by her was one of life’s true gifts.
She leaves behind cherished family members and lifelong friends who are grappling with the pain of this sudden loss. Their grief is shared by a broader community—colleagues, classmates, neighbors, and anyone lucky enough to have felt the warmth of her friendship.
As we mourn, we also remember. We remember the dinners filled with laughter, the long talks that stretched into the night, the spontaneous road trips, the way she celebrated others’ successes without hesitation, and the countless small acts of kindness that made a quiet but lasting impact. Bridgette lived with a rare authenticity. She didn’t pretend. She didn’t perform. She simply was—and that was more than enough.
In the days ahead, plans will be shared to celebrate Bridgette’s life. There will be tears, yes, but also stories—because Bridgette left us with so many. She may be gone from this world, but she lives on in the memories we hold, the love she gave, and the lives she touched.
We miss her more than words can express. But we are better for having known her. We will carry her legacy forward in how we care for each other, in how we show up for our friends, and in how we choose to live our lives with the same openness, warmth, and courage that Bridgette embodied.
Rest in peace, dear Bridgette. You are so deeply missed. May your memory be a blessing—and may we each strive to be a little more like you.