Jean C. Ridgway, 90, of Bridgeton and Ocean City peacefully passed away, after a short battle with old age, at her home on Tuesday morning, February 22, 2023.
Jean was born on August 4, 1932 in Bridgeton to J. Russell “Dick” and Edith M. Casto Ridgway.
She graduated from Bridgeton High School with the class of 1950 and earned her degree in Music from Syracuse School of Music with honors in 1954. Jean was a dedicated member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. After graduating she played the organ in both Philadelphia and New Jersey. She was the organist and choir director for the First Presbyterian Church of Ocean City of over 40 years.
In addition to serving the Lord, her greatest gift was meeting the needs of those around her. Jean’s generosity was most often carried out anonymously.
Jean loved spending time with family and friends. The Ocean City boardwalk was her favorite place; when not people watching she was on the boardwalk enjoying entertainment or a feast. She also could be found in Cape May enjoying theater and was a regular in Philadelphia theaters and opera houses. Jean’s enthusiasm for life took her on many adventures both home and abroad. She traveled regularly with her sorority sisters and friends. She never passed up the opportunity to make others laugh. She was often seen with boardwalk baubles, trinkets and toys. Jean was a night owl and will forever be a child at heart.
She is survived by her cousin, Andrew R. Rouse and his wife, Heather and their two children, Hannah and Jeremiah. She is also survived by her chosen family, the Garrisons, Dawn and Roger Sr. and their children Roger Jr. (Melanie), Ryen (Bethany) and their grandchildren, Asher, Clara, Emma and Ryen, Jr.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Frank R. Ridgway.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend funeral services for Jean on Saturday morning, March 4th at 11 o’clock at the First Presbyterian Church of Ocean City, 701 Wesley Avenue in Ocean City.
The church’s pastor, Pastor John Sheldon, will officiate.
Friends will be received at the church on Saturday morning from 10 to 11.
Entombment will take place at the Overlook Cemetery Mausoleum in Bridgeton on Monday.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jean’s memory to Ocean City Theater Company, 1501 West Avenue, #3164, Ocean City, NJ 08226.
