Bridget Aroon McGowan, whose laugh could fill a room and whose faith could steady one, passed away on September 1st in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Bridget was born on August 19, 1958, in Santa Clara, California, to Lottie and A L Honea. In the 1960s, the family moved to Casper, Wyoming, where she grew up and made her mark as a standout athlete in basketball, softball, and volleyball through junior high and high school. Family was always at the center of her life, and she shared a close bond with her brother, Rimi Honea, and her sisters, Kallie Kloefkorn and Devon Mathis.

After attending the University of Wyoming, Bridget graduated from Boise State University as a respiratory therapist, a calling that suited her perfectly. She was passionate about helping people, patients and colleagues alike, and her career took her across the United States, touching more lives than anyone could count. In 2005, she moved to Sierra Vista, Arizona, where she continued her work as an RT. Her youngest daughter, Kylee, often remembers crossing paths with Bridget’s patients when out in public. It was clear how much of an impact she made through her care for them. As a nurse now working alongside coworkers who also worked with Bridget, her daughter is often told what a wonderful respiratory therapist her mom was, as they share memories of their time with Bridget.

Later in life, when Bridget accepted Jesus as her Savior, she found deep purpose in her church and in Celebrate Recovery. She found joy serving in the children’s ministry as “Nana.” She always had a smile ready, along with scripture or an encouraging word for whoever needed one. Many will miss her morning texts - those small daily reminders that someone was thinking of them.

Anyone who knew Bridget remembers how she lit up a room the moment she walked in. She could be the life of any party, and her humor stayed with you long after the laughter faded. She devoted herself to her work, her church and her family, dropping everything to help with whatever was needed, whenever she could.

Above all, she was a mother. Her daughters, Ryan McGowan and Kylee Christenson, were her pride and joy, and Bridget was known, happily and without apology, for spoiling them rotten. They will carry her love and laughter on with them, honoring her by sharing it with others and continuing to reminisce on their favorite memories of her.

Bridget is survived by daughters, Ryan McGowan and her partner Robby Russell, and Kylee Christenson and her husband Clark Christenson; brother, Rimi Honea; sisters, Kallie Kloefkorn and Devon Mathis; grandchildren, James Flores Jr, Lottie Christenson, Chloe Russell and Connor Russell; great grandson, Winston Flores; nieces, Jessyka Honea, Jordan Honea and Linzie Crowson; nephews, Travis Shrum and Gavin Davenport; and (many cousins and their families.)

She was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Remedee Russell; mother, Lottie Honea; father, A L Honea; sister-in-law, Julie Honea; aunts, uncles and cousins.

The world is a little dimmer without her, but the light she shared lives on in everyone she loved and everyone she helped.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Celebrate Recovery in Bridget’s honor.