Jerry and Mary "Mitzie" Bradigan were honored recently at a surprise 40th anniversary party. The party was planned and held by their children, Chad Bradigan of Dunkirk and Amber Bradigan, with her fiance Jonn Rosen of North Bridgton, Maine.
The couple was married on May 22, 1971 at St. Joseph R.C. Church in Fredonia. The reception for 300 guests was held at the Phillip Murray Hall in Dunkirk.
Members of the bridal party were maid of honor Michele Hofer, Teresa Ritenburg, Kathleen Klajbor, Roseann Wojcinski, all sisters of the bride; and the late Dorothy Nelson, friend of the bride. The flower girls were Kelly (Stokes) Manning, Korrie (Stokes) Engle and Katrina Nelson.
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Mr. and Mrs. Jerry (Mary) Bradigan
Thomas Bradigan, brother of the groom, was the best man. Groomsmen included Terry Bradigan, cousin of the groom; John Yonkie, the late Dennis Brookman and the late Robert Nelson.
The party was hosted by Terri and Bruce Ritenburg III, sister- and brother-in-law of the bride, in the garden at their home in Dunkirk. Roseann Wojcinski, sister of the bride, was the only member of the original bridal party able to attend, along with her husband, Ken.
Keith Reeves and Geoff Rohrs, good friends of Jerry and Mitzie, played an important part of the surprise. They kept them entertained and made sure they got to the party on time.
Guests attending traveled from Maine, California, Florida, Pennsylvania, Central Valley, N.Y., and from the surrounding communities.
