Brown McClay Funeral Homes

Vergennes & Bristol, Vermont

Brown Mcclay Funeral Homes

Colleen Patricia Bridget (White) Leopold

Bridget Leopold
Bristol
Colleen Patricia Bridget (White) Leopold, 70, of Bristol, died suddenly on August 18, 2022. Born
March 16, 1952 in Burlington, VT, she was the daughter of the late Paul Reed and Rita Lorraine (Beattie) White. After her mother’s death at a young age, Bridget spent many years being raised by her step-mother Elizabeth (Betty) White.
A Graduate of South Burlington High School class of 1971. Recently, she enjoyed seeing many of her classmates at their reunion in July. After High School, Bridget went onto Johnson State College where she received a Bachelor’s Degree. Instead of finding a job in her field, she often joked that she got a Master’s Degree in Motherhood.
Growing up she attended services with her family in Ferrisburgh and then later at Saint John Vinney’s in South Burlington. Once she was married, Bridget converted to Judaism as a member of Temple Sinai in South Burlington and Addison County Havurah. During Temple Sinai’s early years she taught Hebrew school in the basement of a church and saw the building of the original temple on the corner of Swift Street in South Burlington. After moving into Addison County her and Steven became one of the founding families of the religious community there where she continued to teach Hebrew school for many years. Recently, she returned to the Jewish Community of Temple Sinai of South Burlington.
Bridget was the loving wife to Steven for the past 46 years, mother, and “Bubbie” as her grandchildren called her. She lived in Vermont her entire life except for the four years she resided in Utah with the love of her life, Steven.
She worked many jobs and successfully started two businesses in her local community, The Bristol House and Becks Alley Antiques. She loved volunteering at the Champlain Valley Fair, The 3 Day Stampede, Antiquing, as well as spending time with her grandchildren, family, and friends. Often you would find her chatting it up with people when she was out and about. Bridget was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Post 19 in Bristol, VT.
Besides her husband, Steven Leopold, Bridget is survived by two daughters, Emily Leopold of Bristol and Celia (Christopher) Benedetto of Rollinsford, NH; three grandchildren Cadogan, Camden, and Caleb Benedetto of Rollinsford, NH; a brother, Albert White of Ferrisburgh; a half brother, Jack White of Essex Jct., a sister-in-law; Pamela White of Ferrisburgh, a foster sister, Brenda (Mark) Hannon of Williston; sister-in-law Barbara (Gene)Sklar as well as brother – in – law Mark (Deborah) Leopold both of Burlington. In addition to many nieces, nephews and extended family members that loved her dearly.
Along with her parents, Bridget was predeceased by a grandson, Nathaniel Benedetto; two brothers, Paul R. White, Jr. and William F. White; and a half brother Scott R. White.
The family would like to thank all the staff at Porter Medical Center, who worked hard and did their very best to help Bridget in her final steps with us. We hope she is at peace and can rest easy after many years of continuous health related issues which prevented her from doing numerous things.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 23rd at 11:00 am at the Brown & McClay Funeral Home, 4 South Street, Bristol, VT 05443. The family will be sitting shiva the week of August 22 at various locations in the area. Additional details will be forthcoming once confirmed for Interment at the Vermont Veterans’ Cemetery in Randolph, VT and Shiva.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bridget’s memory may be placed in a fund for her grandchildren ℅ Steven or Celia Leopold or a charity of the donor’s choice. To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.brownmcclayfuneralhomes.com

9 Responses

  1. I heard this sad news with so much love and tears… I will never forget the times we spent camping and our daughters playing together as children. I am especially fond of her accompanying me to my 30th high school reunion in Minnesota. Rest with the angels dear Bridget & give my Sarrah, Andrew & my mom a hug from me 🤗🙏❤️😢

    1. It was nice to visit with you today. Anytime you want to share memories or view a picture, please reach out to us.

      Thanks,

      The Leopold Family

  2. Heaven has a new angel today. Bridget was a shining light for so many. Condolences to the Leopold family.

  3. We are just learning today (August 25) of Bridget’s passing and are very sad to hear it. We warmly remember Havurah events at the Leopolds’ home and Emily and Celia’s BatMitzvah celebrations. Bridget was always warm, welcoming, kind, friendly and ready to help. We know she will be greatly missed and remembered with affection and gratitude. Our sincere sympathy to all the family,
    Judy and Mike Olinick

    1. I too have many memories of our family being part the early days of Havurah. I remember Annie’s Bat Mitzvah.

      Mom sure did make things work. During my Bat Mitzvah in Bristol, our oven went into self cleaning mode. With little notice my mom had a plan and ushered all the food needed an oven to our neighbors house to be cooked so it would be ready for the guests as quickly as possible.

  4. Steve, Emily and Cece,
    I’m so sorry to hear of Bridget’s passing. She was a good friend and had the biggest heart of anyone I know. I have many fond memories of her, our late night early am grocery store run. It’s the best time to shop…her stories, the two poodles she took after their “mommy” died. Her tossing flowers in the river in memory of Susan Casper, I thought the world of her. She will be missed and I’m sure she’s at rest now.

    1. I remember Susan “the Ghost” Casper, who used to sleep all day and come out at night. She used to help around the Bristol House in the middle of the night and make sure us on night shift were alert. Susan requested we throw wildflowers especially Brown Eyed Susan’s in the river. Since then, I always request Brown Eyed Susan’s at funerals.

  5. So sorry to,hear about Bridget! I heard it from her cousin at the Champlain Valley Fairgrounds just the other day as I volunteered in the State building. As the news goes thru the volunteers, we all remember her work ethics. One year while volunteering at the Fair, she fell and broke something in her foot, but came to volunteer at the fair the next day! She was not about to not show up for her commitment to those around her. Her zest for life is an inspiration to many. I also remember spending many holidays and lively conversations/discussions with your entire family at Brenda’s house. Much love and prayers, Leslie Wall

    1. Leslie, you are right on the money. After selling the businesses she loved volunteering. Every year that she could, she was at the Fair. She enjoyed seeing the people, chatting and having her grandchildren join her on at least one of the days she was there.

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