Mary Ann Bridger

Mary Ann Bridger, age 87, of Millcreek, passed away peacefully, Friday September 14, 2018, at her home.
She was born May 17, 1931, daughter of the late Raymond and Bessie Kendall Breter. She graduated from Academy High School and in her youth was a member of St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church. Following her marriage she became a member of Asbury United Methodist Church, attending there for over 60 years.
Mary Ann’s life was devoted to her family, caring for her parents, siblings, husband, children and grandchildren. She was a stay at home “Mom”,  who each day lovingly took care of her home and family. She was an excellent cook, loved to bake and spent hours canning in the summer (so her family could enjoy her specialties all winter long).  She had family dinners every week and hosted most holidays. She especially loved Christmas.  Mary Ann never drove a car, but that never stopped her from getting where she wanted to go, whether it was walking, riding her bike or taking the bus.
She was “Grammie” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. All of her grandchildren were blessed to have her care for them while their parents worked. Grammie day care was a great thing!
Mary Ann had a determination and spirit that was unstoppable to the very end, never wanting to give up, always ready for an adventure!
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of almost 60 years Richard “Dick” Bridger in 2012, her sister Shirley Breter and her brothers Donald, Ronald and Norman Breter.
She is survived by her two sons William “Bill” Bridger and his wife Barbara and Scott Bridger  and his wife Ann all of Erie; her grandchildren Rick Bridger and his partner Ryan Burrow of San Diego, Dr. Daniel Bridger and his wife Dr. Autumn Bridger of Boise and Kyle Bridger of Nashville. She is further survived by two great-grandsons Chase and Gareth (great-grandson number three will be born in October). Also surviving are her sister Kathleen Slater and her husband George of Houston; her brother Raymond Breter and his wife Carol of Erie; many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law and many, many nieces and nephews that she cared for deeply.
Mary Ann is also survived by the wonderful caregivers who compassionatley cared for her each and every day for the past year, allowing her to be at home where she wanted to be! Each of you  were  Heaven sent to our family and we will be always grateful! Thank you Jaimee, Erica, Rick, Danielle, Diane, Kris, Jeanne, Tammy and Janine.  And a special thanks to Great Lakes Hospice for their care and support, especially her nurse Carren.
Friends may call at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home on Thursday from 4:00 pm until the time of the service at 7:00 pm with Rev. Bruce Davis of Asbury United Methodist Church officiating.  Burial in Laurel Hill Cemetery will be Friday at 10:00 am and all are invited to meet at the cemetery for a brief Committal Service.
Memorials may be made to Great Lakes Home Health and Hospice 1700 Peach Street, Erie, PA 16501 or Asbury United Methodist Church 4703 W. Ridge Rd. Erie, PA 16506.
Send condolences at www.burtonfuneralhome.com