Gale (Wood) Bridgewater

Karen Gale (Wood) Bridgewater, 65, Greenfield, passed away Sunday, February 22, 2026, with family by her side. Gale was born on February 7, 1961, in Indianapolis, to parents, Dennis Gene and Veda Mae (Gross) Wood. Gale attended John Marshall High School in Indianapolis. She married the love of her life, Gary Lee Bridgewater, on December 30, 1981.

Gale had a heart of gold and was so full of love. She never met a stranger, worried about everything and everyone in a good way, and loved her community. Gale loved to embody herself amongst others. She enjoyed get-togethers, having everyone gather around the swimming pool, as well as during the holidays or celebratory gatherings. She thrived on being the social butterfly. She was strong-willed as well as supportive of all, whether they were family, friends-of-friends, or neighbors down the road. She held onto small mementos that blossomed and flourished into sentimental keepsakes throughout her life as well as her children’s and grandchildren’s lives. She collected small trinkets that came with stories and loving memories. She loved to bird watch, but especially the hummingbirds as they fluttered about her flowers. Speaking of flowers, Gale had very beautiful flower beds while she and Gary lived in Indianapolis. And when they moved to Greenfield, so did her love of flowers. Gale was awarded one of The City of Greenfield’s ‘2020 Greenfield in Bloom’ beautiful yards designation. Although Gale had many loves, her biggest and greatest loves were directed towards her children and grandchildren. She was always present, active, attentive, and giving to them. They will surely miss her and she them. Gale worked many years in the customer service field with at least two printing companies: the most recent at Greenfield’s PostNet as well as Indianapolis’s PIP.

Gale is survived by her loving husband Gary of 44 years; sons, Gary Brian Bridgewater and Andrew Lee (Tequila) Bridgewater; grandchildren: Kelsey Lynn (Sam) Bolinger, Gary Otto Bridgewater, Evan Joseph Bridgewater, Ethan Lee Bridgewater, and Ean Andrew Bridgewater; brothers, Richard Wood and Jeff (Staci) Lee; and several nieces and nephews.

Gale was preceded in death by her father, Dennis Wood; mother, Veda Irelan; brother, Danny Wood; sisters, Patty Sweet, Robin Wood, and Teresa Pratt; and two stepfathers, Francis Lee and Ralph Irelan.

Visitation will be on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Stillinger Family Funeral Home, 1780 West Main Street, Greenfield, with the service starting at 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Andrew & Tequila Bridgewater, to offset funeral expenses, please. If you would like to sign the online guest book or send condolences to the family, you may do so by visiting www.stillingerfamily.com