Maureen Royal of Bridges Produce dies

Bridges Produce said its sales and marketing manager, Maureen Royal, died Dec. 26, 2024. The company said Royal was a mentor to countless individuals throughout her career and was a pioneer in organic produce.

Royal was born on Dec. 26, 1950, in Bremerton, Wash.

She began her career as an executive assistant with Associated Grocers in Seattle and held roles as sales manager at CF Fresh/Viva Terra, where she worked from 1989 to 2009. She joined Bridges Produce as a category manager, overseeing imported apples and pears from Argentina, Chile, New Zealand and Canada.

“Maureen’s ability to identify and nurture talent led to the creation of many successful teams and launched numerous careers,” the company said in the announcement. “She touched so many lives. She was eternally optimistic and encouraging and could juggle so many details with such gracefulness. Her loss is deeply felt by all who knew her.”

She leaves behind her husband, sons and eight grandchildren.