Carolyn Ann Bridger

June 20, 1943 - November 18, 2014

Carolyn Ann Bridger, 71, of Tallahassee, Fla., passed away November 18, 2014 in an automobile accident in Traverse City, Mich. Carolyn was born June 20, 1943 in Memphis, Tenn., to the late Grover Leon and Elizabeth Lou (Everett) Bridger. Predeceased by her husband, Waldie Alfred Anderson, Carolyn is survived by three sisters: Susan Waggener of Lexington, Ky.; Ellen Bridger of Salt Lake City, Utah; and Beth Watson (Ben) of Houston, Texas; and two stepsons, Reed Anderson (Diana) of Sylvania, Ohio, and their two sons; and Paul Anderson (Sherry) of Los Alamos, N.M.; and numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. A renowned pianist, Dr. Bridger had a long career on the music faculty at Florida State University, and her extended family includes former students and colleagues worldwide, whom she often visited in her extensive world travels. She was principal keyboardist for the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra. Her long-time association with Interlochen Arts Camp in Interlochen, Mich., spanned nearly 60 years as a student, faculty member, and patron. Dr. Bridger received her bachelor’s degree from Oberlin Conservatory, her master’s from Indiana University and her doctorate from the University of Iowa. Extremely active in the music community and many professional organizations, she was also a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and P.E.O. Chapter CL in Tallahassee. Donations in memory of Dr. Bridger are suggested to the Artist Series of Tallahassee, which she and her husband were instrumental in starting, at 690 Industrial Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32310; or to Interlochen Center for the Arts, 4000 Hwy M-137, Interlochen, MI 49643; or the charity of your choice. A memorial service will be held in Tallahassee at a future date.