On Thursday, November 3, 2022, at the age of 96, Mary Louise Bridges was loosed back into the arms of God, to whom she had faithfully dedicated her life. She was born in Rockford, Illinois, to Joe and Lola Mathieu on October 23, 1926. It was in Rockford where she met her husband, Elmer, and where they raised their six children.
Louise and her family were members of the North Park Church of Christ in Rockford for many years, until they, along with five other families, moved to the neighboring town of Belvidere to plant the Belvidere Church of Christ.
After the passing of her beloved Elmer, Louise moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where four of her six children lived. Always a woman of strong faith, Louise became involved with the Madison Church of Christ in Nashville. When she later moved to Brentwood, Tennessee, she worshiped with the Woodson Chapel Church of Christ.
Louise taught Bible correspondence courses for many years through World Bible School. She continued corresponding with many of her students long after they had completed their courses. Her relationship with Jesus was precious to her and she spent her life sharing Him with everyone she met.
Among the many expressions of love that Louise showed to others throughout her life, were the baby pillows she made. With the baby's name and birth info embroidered on each one, she made more than 200 of these little pillows for her grandchildren, her great grandchildren, other family members and her friends. Her lasting legacy is far-reaching, having touched the lives of many throughout the world.
Louise is survived by five of her children; Linda (Larry) Bridgesmith, Brenda (Tom) Bates, Jody (Dan) Barney, Bruce (Kathie) Bridges, and Brent (Tina) Bridges. She is also survived by her brothers Dave (Ruby) Mathieu and Allan (Marie) Mathieu, her sister Carol (Steve) Fassl, and her sister-in-law Jan Mathieu. Louise was blessed with 16 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Louise was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer Bridges and her daughter and son-in-law, Liz and Howard Henderson. Also preceding her in death were her parents Joe and Lola Mathieu, her sister, Rosie McClanahan and her brother, Bill Mathieu.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 10, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and again on Friday, November 11, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. until the service begins at 10:00. Burial is to follow, when Louise will be laid to rest beside the love of her life, her husband, Elmer.
All services will be held at Sunset Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 8800 N. Alpine Road, Machesney Park, Illinois, 61115.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com for the Bridges family.
