Mary Elizabeth Brinduse Bridgewater, 86, of Anderson, passed away on April 6, 2015. She fought a good fight.
She was born February 16, 1929, in Anderson, Indiana, the 12th and youngest child of Romanian immigrants John and Vera Brinduse. She graduated from Anderson High School in 1947. During high school she worked as a counter clerk at Phillips Central Pharmacy then located at 9th and Main Streets in Anderson, followed by Guide Lamp and then Delco Remy Plant 8 where she worked for nine years before “retiring” to raise a family.
Mary was a talented seamstress whose clothing creations drew many ooh’s and aah’s. She was also an incredible cook and will be remembered for her fudge-making skills and her wonderful chicken and noodles. She was a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Anderson, which was the congregation that welcomed her father when he arrived in the United States in 1910 followed by her mother in 1912. She will also be long remembered for her love for classical music and for gathering and harvesting black walnuts. Literally hundreds of pounds of walnuts have been enjoyed by many family and friends throughout the years, and even restaurants who used them in their recipes.
Survivors include her two children, Robert (wife Leslie) Bridgewater of Anderson, and Claire (husband Tom) Strayer of McCordsville; a brother, Dan (wife Ruth Shinness-Brinduse) of Anderson; grandchildren Andrea Bridgewater, Katherine Bridgewater, Aaron Strayer, Bradley Strayer, great-granddaughters Angelina and Alysia; cousin Flora (George) Patalau; and a multitude of nieces and nephews.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, John and Vera (Popa) Brinduse, her husband, Bob Bridgewater, in 2014, and her siblings Flora, Vasalie, Ana, John Jr., Matthew, Joseph, Anne, Olivia (Lee), Paul, and Ruth.
Memorial contributions may be made to Anderson First Baptist Church, 907 North Raible Avenue, Anderson, Indiana 46011.
A memorial service will be held at Anderson First Baptist Church on Saturday, April 18, 2015. Visitation will begin at 11:30am followed by the service at 1:30pm. A private burial will be held at a later date.
Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service handled the arrangements.