February 20th, 2005
Siobhan
Halpin-Bridges 1964-2004
Danny Norton asked me if I would write something about a dear friend recently passed away. It’s been very difficult, as I don’t have the words to express my grief.
Siobhan was a wonderful friend and confidante who was fiercely loyal to her family and friends. She was always talking about her very close knit family. Her Dad–she saw herself as his baby girl and was almost childlike when she spoke of him. Her Mom–the Matriarch, the glue held the family together. Terence –her big brother, whom she looked up to. Deidre–her twin sister, who she wanted to be more like in many ways. Daniel–her "baby brother", the protector of the family. Last, but not least, was Bridget–her little sister. Siobhan wanted to protect her, but was never quite sure how. Her children –Sean, Brandi, and Austin were the twinkle in her eyes.
Siobhan was always there for me, as I tried to be for her. Through the peaks and valleys of my life she was there to listen, to laugh with and to talk to. She had adopted me as her little sister and affectionately nicknamed me, "Skeeter." To this day I don’t remember how I got that name, but she always had a devilish little grin when she said it. I’m sure it was something I did that she thought was foolish. We spent many nights walking in the dunes of Saudi or on the phone when she lived in New York. I will miss those times enormously.
My mother called on August 12th and told me to sit down. She had come across Siobhan’s obituary. I was in shock. The funeral had been that morning. I never got the chance to say good-bye. In retrospect I am glad I didn’t. I don’t want to say good-bye to her. I know she’s watching over me as she has always done and is listening to every thing I say to her. So, big sister, you may be gone, but you are not too far away. Your memory will be alive in the hearts of those whose lives you touched with love and friendship.
- Staci Husted DH 84
This is very hard for me to write. I have never had such a painful loss. I am quite torn in writing this because I know I can’t adequately express how much I loved Siobhan and what a terrific person she was. But I can’t give up without trying on her behalf.
What I want to say in remembrance of Siobhan is that she was special. Siobhan had the gift of a loyal and loving heart. She was a good sister and a good friend. She was very forgiving and extremely sympathetic. She was not perfect, but she had gifts of character that were beyond me.
Siobhan is Gaelic for Joan and means God’s gift.
She certainly was that to me. Like her name she was beautiful and different. We are fraternal twins.
Siobhan was 10 minutes older than me. She liked
to joke that I was bigger because I was “cooked”
longer. She enjoyed calling me “little sister”,
especially after I outgrew her.
Siobhan had asthma and so was not as strong as the rest of the family, but she was always game to try. She had the courage to try things when the rest of us were afraid we might not be good at it and embarrass ourselves. She would volunteer to get out there with you if you needed to feel the support of another. She was willing to make a fool of herself to help you out.
Siobhan was a good card player and awesome Trivial Pursuit player. She loved crossword puzzles and reading mysteries. Growing up in our house with five children there was never any shortage of playmates. But beyond that, I was blessed with a sister who would interrupt any game she was playing to do something with me if I asked her. She was always extremely giving and willing to share. We shared the womb, our room and even a queen bed. Despite the constant sharing I can’t remember ever asking or wishing for my own room. My memories of childhood are filled with loving images of Siobhan and I together.
Siobhan had her failings, just as we all do, but her
lovely, sweet personality always shone through. I miss her very much and regret that we didn’t get to spend that much time together over the past couple of years. We were both very busy with our young families and work. We kept in touch by phone and email. But email and phone don’t connect you the way a hug does. I wish I had stockpiled more hugs.
-Deidre Halpin-Ambrose
