Bridget Merklinger (Chapman)

Bridget Merklinger (Chapman) Chili - Saturday, January 16, 2021 at age 68. Bridget passed away at home in the loving arms of her big family and is with her savior Jesus Christ! She is preceded in death by her father, James; brother, Jay; and sister, Maureen. Bridget is survived by her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Mark; children, Mark, Frances (Renee) Merklinger, Jeremy (Kim) Merklinger, and Jamie (Gary) Bell; mother, Margaret Chapman; brothers, Kevin and Shawn Chapman, and sister, Robin (Gerald) Nucci; grandchildren, Hannah (Eric) Friedel, Lucas (Gabriel) Merklinger, Madelynn (Kasey), Cody, Brenna (Jose) Vasquez, Jared Merklinger, Ryan Merklinger, Jacob Merklinger, Keeley Bell, Nathaniel Bell; great grandchildren, Eloise Cody, Sofia Maria Vasquez and a precious little Friedel girl on the way; sister in laws and her pals, Mary Moll (Merklinger) and Noel Schey (Merklinger and numerous, wonderful nieces and nephews. Bridget's life revolved around her family. She would hold all her babies in her arms to comfort them. Bridget made sure the children never missed an opportunity to jump in every puddle. She loved parades where she would wave our flag, often orchestrating family ones in the yard with pots and pans. Bridget cherished her time in the kitchen teaching the grandchildren to bake and decorate pies and cakes like a pastry chef. Wegmans would run out of apple pie when Bridget was working. Mark and Bridgie fell in love when they were 16 and celebrated 50 years of marriage. The last 26 years were spent having a ball with the grandchildren. Even at the end her eyes would sparkle when she saw Mark and all her children. Thanks to the memory care program at Strong, to Dr Anugu for her kindness, caring, and insight into our family, and to Joyce for keeping her singing and smiling and our wonderful friends for their thoughts and prayers. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Alzheimer's Association. Because of Covid-19 restrictions there will be no calling hours. Service and burial will be held privately for immediate family only. Please feel free to express your thoughts and prayers below her obituary at Legacy.com.