Shirley Ann Nelson Woodbridge passed away peacefully on Monday morning, April 17,^, 2017. Mrs. Woodbridge was born in Cuba on February 20, 1922. She was the daughter of Charles and Virginia Nelson and she lived primarily in Grosse Point and East Lansing, Mich., and Rochester, N.Y. before moving permanently to Columbus in 1977. 

San joined the U.S. Navy and worked as an X-ray technician during World War II. She continued working as an X-ray technician after the war and was a strong advocate for mental health care for the rest of her career. In Columbus, she was a driving force in the founding of Bridgewood House and New View Apartments for special needs adults.

San is preceded in death by her husband, Dana M. Woodbridge, and her daughter, Rebecca Woodbridge. She is survived by her son, Mark, also of Columbus; a daughter, Peggy, and son-in-law, Robert, of Asheville; and her two grand daughters, Mari and Kira, of Raleigh and Chapel Hill, respectively.

San’s sense of humor, her love for family and friends, her devotion to special causes, were all greatly cherished, and will be forever missed. The family appreciates the loving care given to San by the staff at Ridge Rest and Hospice of the Carolina Foothills. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Special Olympics North Carolina, 2200 Gateway Centre Blvd., Ste. 201, Morrisville, NC 27560 or at sonc.net. 

A celebration of life ceremony will be held Saturday, May 20 at 3 p.m. at her beloved home in Columbus.

Submitted by Bob Dalman