Ruth N. Briddell

Ruth N. Briddell, who would have celebrated her 96th birthday in August, passed away early Tuesday morning, April 30, 2004, in Chestertown, MD. Since 1993, she had been a resident of Heron Point. Mrs. Briddell was born in Ellicott City, MD, in 1908, the daughter of the late Dr. Vernon N. and Anna A. Ridgely. In 1931, she graduated from the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore with a degree in voice. For many years she was a soloist with church choirs throughout the city. On September 2, 1932, she married C. Orville Briddell who passed away in October of 1988. Mrs. Briddell lived in Roland Park for almost fifty years. Her love of gardening and the arts prompted her to become actively involved in the Greenway Garden Club as well as being a charter member of The Three Arts Club of Homeland. Mr. and Mrs. Briddell were long-time members of Lovely Lane United Methodist Church. At the time of her death, she was a member of historic Old Otterbein United Methodist Church where she enjoyed helping with their annual fundraiser, the sale of peanuts near Camden Yards. Mrs. Briddell was also a fifty-eight year member of P.E.O. She will be greatly missed by her large family, daughter Ann V. Handley and son-in-law Don of Easton; son Charles E. Briddell and his wife Lynn of St. Michaels; and daughter Winifred C. Cowee and son-in-law Daniel of Neavitt. She is also survived by nine grandchildren include David M. Handley, Karen E. McKinley, Charles E. Briddell, Michael S. Briddell, James W. Briddell, Allison N. Briddell, Ridgely J. Cowee and Elizabeth A. Cowee. She was richly blessed with five great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a nephew, Herbert M. Ridgely, Jr. of Daytona Beach, FL. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her brother, H. Monroe Ridgely formerly of Hagerstown, MD. There will be a private family service with Dr. Millard Knowles officiating and burial will follow at Druid Ridge Cemetery in Baltimore. A celebration of her life in music and the Word will be held in Wesley Hall at Heron Point in Chestertown, MD, within the next few weeks. Memorial contributions may be made to Old Otterbein United Methodist Church, Sharp and Conway Streets, Baltimore, MD 21201. Arrangements by Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, P.A., Easton, MD.

Ruth N. Briddell

April 20, 2004