Biography: Bridget Mary Fennell Farris died peacefully at her home in Little Rock on Monday, July 4th, at the age of 63. Bridget was born the youngest of six children in Trenton, N.J. on September 27, 1952, to the Rev. Ernest J. W. and Beverly Shaner Fennell. Father Fennell was a schoolmaster at St. Mary?s School in nearby Burlington, N.J. for a year before the family moved to Versailles, Kentucky where Bridget spent her early childhood and attended elementary school. In 1963, the family moved to Arkansas, first to Ft. Smith then to Little Rock where Bridget graduated from Little Rock Central High School. Bridget spent the next two years at the University of the Americas in Mexico studying anthropology before graduating from UALR with a B.S. in sociology and anthropology. Bridget enjoyed a successful career, working first for the state of Arkansas in the Department of Computer Services, then at Fidelity (Systematics, Alltel) for over two decades. Following a stint at Acxiom Corporation, Bridget became an IT consultant. At the time she became ill, Bridget was excited about a new startup venture, Merger Match, that she co-founded with Alese Stroud under the auspices of the Arkansas Venture Center. Wherever she worked, Bridget became a respected leader and formed lasting friendships. Bridget loved Arkansas?s rivers and streams, especially the Buffalo and the Little Red Rivers. She could frequently be found paddling and fishing with son Greyson, in her kayak. Bridget loved all holidays with family, but her Christmas celebrations and decorations were legendary. Bridget?s social commitment was unwavering, as befitted a daughter of Father and Granny Fennell. Over the years, Bridget volunteered at St. Francis House, founded by her parents, Historic Arkansas Museum, where she served on the founding board of the HAM Foundation, the Literacy Action Council and St. Margaret?s Episcopal Church where she was a founding member. Bridget loved her church community and served on the vestry at St. Margaret?s and in other capacities. The family is grateful for the compassion and support by the Rev. Mary Vano and members of the congregation there during Bridget?s illness. Bridget was predeceased by her parents, and by her sisters, Fianna Mary Fennell Combs and Laurinda Ann Fennell Hensley. She is survived by sons Matthew Farris (Lindsey) and Greyson Farris (Paige Baird); siblings Harvey Fennell (Nancy), Deborah Fennell and Tom Fennell (Ellen); nieces and nephews Amy Gill (Amrit), Rebecca Dickson, Katrina Dickson, Tom Fennell, Henry Murphy (Lauren Schiller), Samuel Murphy, Jesse Combs (Ami), Julie Combs (Amy), Rachel Combs and granddaughter Penny Lynn Farris. Bridget is also survived by Richard Farris, father of Matt and Grey, and his family, sisters-in law, Kristi Broglen and Ruth Ann Yancey, brother-in-law Skip Farris, and their children. Faithful friends who, along with family members served as her care team include: Louise Terzia, Angie Horne, Alicia and Bob Quinn, Jody Brennan, India Cheairs, Pam Smith, Wythe Walker, Linda Bessette, Donyall Mooney, Tamara Walters and John Bullen. Perhaps, most of all, Bridget will be missed for her great sense of fun. From a final post by Bridget on Twitter: ??I was wise enough to never grow up while fooling most people into believing I had? ? my hero -- Margaret Mead!" A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 9th at 10:30 am at St. Margaret?s Episcopal Church with interment following. The Rev. Mary Vano will officiate. A reception at the church will follow the interment. Arrangements are by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to St. Margaret?s Episcopal Church, St. Francis House, the Literacy Action Council, Historic Arkansas Museum, The Venture Center or to the charity of the donor?s choice.