SAN FRANCISCO — Leona M. Bridges, a longtime civic leader whose career took her from the financial industry to some of San Francisco’s most important public institutions, will be remembered Wednesday, Oct. 28, at Third Baptist Church.

The memorial service will begin at 10 a.m. at the historic church, located at 1399 McAllister Street in San Francisco. Bridges, who died in September, leaves a record of public service spanning city government, financial oversight, education and community organizations.

At the time of her passing, Bridges served as interim president of the San Francisco Employees’ Retirement System (SFERS) Board. She was appointed to the board in 2013 and previously held leadership positions as president and vice president, helping oversee the retirement system serving San Francisco’s municipal workforce.

Her experience in financial management preceded her years in city government. Bridges spent more than two decades at Barclays Global Investors, where she served as a managing director. Her professional background included investment management, securities lending and business development.

That experience carried into her public service. In addition to her work with SFERS, Bridges served as a director of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency and a commissioner of the San Francisco Parking Authority. She also contributed her expertise to the California State University Investment Advisory Committee.

Education remained an important part of her work outside government. A San Francisco State University alumna, Bridges established an endowed scholarship supporting students facing financial and educational barriers. The Leona M. Bridges Endowed Scholarship in Business continues to provide financial assistance to students at the university’s Lam Family College of Business.

Bridges also maintained longstanding relationships with organizations dedicated to community development and public service. She served on the San Francisco State University Foundation Board and was involved with the West Bay Local Development Corporation.

A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Bridges participated in the organization’s tradition of scholarship, civic engagement and service. She was also a longtime member of Third Baptist Church, where family, friends and community members will gather to honor her memory.

Her passing drew recognition from leaders across San Francisco. House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi issued a statement Sept. 29 remembering Bridges’ contributions to the city and her commitment to expanding educational opportunities.

Pelosi said she had recommended Bridges to President Joe Biden for the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board and appointed her to the California Democratic Party Central Committee.

San Francisco’s public institutions also recognized Bridges’ contributions. In a Sept. 28 memorial announcement, SFERS acknowledged her years of service to city employees and retirees, along with her involvement in educational and community organizations.

Her professional and civic responsibilities reflected a career that connected financial expertise with public accountability. From overseeing retirement investments to supporting university students, Bridges worked across institutions that influence the lives and opportunities of San Francisco residents.

The Oct. 28 service will bring together those who knew Bridges through her professional career, community involvement, sorority membership and church family.

The Sun-Reporter will provide an extensive obituary and coverage of her memorial service in next Thursday’s edition.

Memorial service: Wednesday, Oct. 28, 10 a.m., Third Baptist Church, 1399 McAllister St., San Francisco.