Obituary of Mary Lou Bridgwater
BRIDGWATER, Mary Lou passed away at Parkview Meadows LTC on Friday, March 19, 2021 in her 73rd year. Much loved sister and sister-in-law of Fred and Marlene Bridgwater. Loving aunt of Colleen, Curt, Cara, George, Charlene, Becky, and their families and Godmother to Riley Marini. She will be missed by her great and great-great nieces and nephews and many other family members and friends. Mary Lou cherished her fur babies Buddy and Harley and took them everywhere. Predeceased by her parents Albert and Lucy, brother, Douglas and sister-in-law Ruth. Mary Lou was a teacher for 33 years. She taught at Lynedoch Public school for 20 years and then Walsh Public school for another 13 years. When she retired she moved to her cottage up North in Port Loring but soon came out of retirement to supply teach and also took a French course so she could fill a position there when she was needed. She loved children and prided herself in being able to teach a child to read. Even on her last day of life she spent some time reading to a younger resident at her home. She also was a sponsor for 2 African foster children taking them all the way through their post-secondary education. She moved back to her hometown of Port Dover in 2018 to be closer to her family. She had a strong faith and was a member of Grace United Church in Port Dover, St Andrews United Church in Port Loring, the UCW and the Lynedoch Women's Institute. She played the organ and piano and shared her love of music both at school and serving as the Junior Choir leader at Grace for years. She loved to cook and fed the hungry masses at Ryerson Beach United Church camp for several years as well. She also loved self-education, travel, boating, fishing, swimming and crafting. She was a collector and was known for her beautiful collection of bells and had a fondness for teddy bears and dolls. She will be sadly missed. Due to the Covid-19 restrictions a graveside service will be held on Friday, March 26, 2021. The Reverend Kathryn Vance officiating. Arrangements have been entrusted to Thompson Waters Funeral Home, 102 First Ave., Port Dover (519) 583-1530. If you wish to attend the service, please call the funeral home to reserve for your attendance. Masks must be worn and social distancing must be observed. For those wishing, donations to Grace United Church, Canadian Cancer Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation or Tumaini Children's Foundation would be greatly appreciated. On-line donations and/or condolences can be made at www.thompsonwatersfuneralhome.ca.
