BRIDGET M. DYCZKO

On September 20, 2026, Bridget Philomena Dyczko (née McNamara) left the earthly plane.

Bridgie, as she was known by her family, was born in Keel, Achill Island, County Mayo, Ireland on Halloween 1944. She was the second child of the late Edward and Catherine McNamara (née McGinty). She was the cherished sister of the late Pete (Ida), John, and Pat (Margaret) McNamara. She is survived by her sister Mary Kelly and brothers Anthony (Mary) and Marty (Marion). She is preceded in death by her husband, Stephen Dyczko, as well as her brother-in-law J.P. Kelly and sister-in-law Anne McNamara (née Lavelle).

She was raised in a home built by her grandfather along the North Atlantic Ocean. While her childhood home lacked electricity and indoor plumbing, it was abundant with love. She grew up alongside her six siblings and her cousin, Bernie English (née Curley). Bridgie had many fond memories of her childhood and often shared them with her nieces and nephews—including one colorful story about her mother dressing a freshly slaughtered hog and hanging it upside down to cure.

In 1962, Bridgie and Bernie left the Irish countryside for Cleveland, sponsored by Bridgie’s Aunt Margaret (née McNamara) and Uncle Hugh Dever. After a year with the Devers and their daughters, Veronica “Ronee” Dever and Geraldine “Geri” Meister (née Dever), they joined Bridgie’s older brother, Pete, at the west-side home of Aunt Betty (née McNamara) and Uncle Johnny Mulloy and their children, Jack, Jimmy, and Mary Ann. One can only imagine the sounds, smells, and sights of six young adults under one roof.

Pete worked as a machinist, while Bridgie & Bernie worked in a hospital, factory, and restaurant picking up any work they could find—sometimes even working two jobs at once. Eventually Pete had the brilliant idea of getting an apartment for the three young immigrants and they struck off on their own.

Bridgie and Bernie were responsible for groceries, cooking and cleaning while Pete paid the rent and utilities. This arrangement went swimmingly, until Bernie returned to Ireland to take care of her ailing mother, and Pete was drafted into the U.S. Army during Vietnam. Bridgie was left on her own, but only momentarily.

After getting a job with Dun & Bradstreet (where she would remain employed until her retirement 40 years later!) she would often attend social dances arranged by immigrant communities. She accompanied her friends to a Polish dance where she met the love of her life, Stephen “Steve” Dyczko. They would marry in 1967. In April 1971, the newlyweds settled in Bay Village, which would become Bridgie’s home for the next 55 years.

Bridgie became close with Steve’s family including her brother-in-law Roman and his wife Cecylia, with whom she would spend many cherished holidays. She quickly adopted Polish culture, especially falling in love with Polish cuisine and baked goods including (but not limited to) Pączki, Kolaczki, and Sernik.

Sadly, their marriage was cut short - following a brave fight with Leukemia, Steve passed away on September 10, 1978.

With Steve’s passing, Bridgie grew even closer with her first cousins, Ronee and Geri. Throughout the next four decades she would travel the world with Ronee and Geri and grow close with Geri’s three children, Scott (Raeann), Kevin (Sandra), and Liz, becoming a fixture in their lives.

Bridgie loved traveling to Ireland, returning for her sibling’s life milestones including marriages and later, their childrens’ marriages. After her brother Pete moved to Chicago in 1971, she’d often visit and become close with his young family, including his wife, Ida and later, her nephew and Godson, Peter. Bridgie took the role of Godmother very seriously, staying close with Peter until her death.

Although not a native Clevelander, over the years, Bridgie developed an affinity for Cleveland sports. She followed the Browns, Indians (now Guardians) and Cavaliers. Despite her fandom, she knew better than to get too excited about the outlook of her favorite teams.

In her 60s, Bridgie found the second great love of her life—Murphy, an eight-pound Shih Tzu with an overbite. At 11 inches tall, Murphy brought so much joy to Bridgie and served as her constant furry companion. She kept him impeccably groomed, including a custom wardrobe with winter sweaters and booties. To this day, her family has never seen a dog as doted upon.

Following her retirement with Dun & Bradstreet, Bridgie happily spent her days with Murphy, working in her garden and chatting with her neighbor and dear friend, Joanna. She took pride in keeping up her home and yard. She loved beautiful things and filled her house with Waterford crystal, various porcelain figurines, and family photos (including Murphy, of course).

Bridgie lived a rich and full life, and will be greatly missed by her family for her huge hugs, her direct real talk, her overwhelming hospitality, and the love she gave to all those lucky enough to know her.

May her soul rest in peace.

Funeral Mass Monday, September 28, St. Raphael Church (525 Dover Center Rd.) at 11:00 AM. where friends may call 10:30 AM until time of Mass. The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed at ST.RAPHAELCHURCH-LIVESTREAM. Interment St. Andrew Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery.