Delores Jean Bridgewater
June 25, 1928 ~ August 1, 2021
Delores Jean Bridgewater, 93, Indianapolis, passed away peacefully at home August 1, 2021. She was born in Indianapolis, to the late Noble Agnew and Esther Cauble.
Jean graduated from George Washington High School in 1946 and attended Butler University. She was a librarian for the Marion County Public Library for over 25 years. Jean received the Helen Norris Award from the library for her distinguished service in 1988, and was responsible for starting the library at St. Mark Catholic School. She was a faithful member of Nativity Catholic Church, was a volunteer for St. Francis Hospital, and enjoyed her luncheons with the Red Hat Society. Her passions in life were reading, watching her children and grandchildren play sports, fishing (a love that began at Clam Lake in Traverse City, Michigan), and going to the casino, which was only 12 minutes away, where she was usually a big winner.
Jean married her high school sweetheart Joseph Bridgewater on August 7, 1948. He preceded her in death in 2016. She is survived by her sons David (Sue), Gary (Susan), Robert (the late Tammy),Steven (Donna), and Paul (Suzanne); 14 grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren; and 2 great great grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her son, James Bridgewater.
Jean’s Life Celebration® visitation will be held Sunday August 8, 2021, 4-8 p.m., at O’Riley Funeral Home, 6107 South East St. Indianapolis, where morning prayers will begin at 10:15 a.m., Monday, August 9, 2021. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday August 9, 2021, 11 a.m. in Nativity Catholic Church, 7225 Southeastern Ave. Burial to Follow at Crown Hill Cemetery, in Indianapolis. Visit www.ORileyFuneralHome.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.
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I don’t even know where to begin – my heart is broken and I am speechless for words – our family had so much laughter, so much fun with Joe and Jeanne – and YES we shared many tears together also – they have a place in our lives replaced by no other….RIP Jeanne Heaven has a brand new angel and God will certainly place His arms around you – love and hugs till we meet again – may your family feel God’s blessings as they start through this journey without you and may your memory be our blessings. Georgann, Teri, and Christopher
What a sweet lady, and with all those boys! Mrs Bridgewater was my Cub Scout Den Mother, and I have great memories of our field trips; Wonder Bread plant, Popeye and Janey ( loved Janey) at WTTV studio. Condolences to all of the wonderful Bridgewater’s.
I have many loving memories of Jean that I will always remember and that always brings a smile. Big hugs, Stan
With deepest sympathy, Kathy Shank, Tim, Denise, Max and Emerson Shank , Doug, Danielle and Violet Shank, Molly and Navid Hojatti
I am sorry for you and your family Bob. John Felter
I remember both Joe and Jean with fond memories. I started attending Nativity and sitting with Joe and Jean at church after my husband died. Both were such nice, loving people. The first time my mom came to visit me and I introduced her to Jean, Jean told my mom that she was my “church mom.” With deepest sympathy, Denise Craig
Sorry for your loss . She will be greatly missed by all her Red Hat Ladies . She was a great lady who enjoyed getting together and enjoyed life . Always smiling
Gary and Susie and Family, Please accept our condolences and count on our prayers. John and Deb Madden
Jean always had a smile on her face. I remember talking to her and Joe after mass, especially after Joe found out that I was a westsider and Washington high school graduate! I will miss seeing her when delivering communion. She was a great lady. Remember you have another angel in heaven watching over your family. Kathy Bockelman
The best person in the world.. If everyone was like Jean, the world would be a far happier place. Bless her family.
I got to work with Jean at the Southport Library, and she was a joy to work with. There was always laughter and jokes, especially when Joe came to visit. Jean was such a great lady and we’ll all miss her.
Sorry for your loss. Jean will be missed. She was a true lady.
I’m glad I got to work with Jean at Southport. She was full of fun and really cared about the library and all the people in the library. Someone you could count on, always. Marian Miller
Our hearts and thoughts are with you and we share in your sorrow.
My Red Hat, card playing friend and traveling friend, miss you and the good times that we had with you and Joeߘ˜
My memories are the treasured photos Bob has shared on Facebook of his dear mother Delores. You always knew she was well taken care of and deeply loved. You took care of her well and will have those precious memories of time spent with your Mother.
Working at Southport was made all the more pleasant by your great Mother keeping us going! Your Dad always came in to say hello to us when he picked her up. I have very fond memories of both of them. True treasures!