Betty Bridgeman Bravo

Betty Jean Bridgeman Bravo passed away on Wednesday, February 14th, 2024 at the age of 91. Betty told her family that she would hold on until her newest great- grandchild was born, and she died within a matter of hours prior to the baby’s birth. She will be greatly missed by her family who adored her, friends who loved her, and many people whose lives she impacted in such a beautiful way.

Betty was born on September 7, 1932, to Clinton Bridgeman and Genevieve Madere Bridgeman. She has one sibling, Linda Bragg. She attended St. Dominic for elementary school and attended a year at Sacred Heart in high school, later graduating from Holy Name of Jesus. She graduated from Louisiana State University with a degree in Education. She was an active member of the Phi Mu Sorority, serving as their Vice President for a year, and was even nominated as a “Darling” during her time at LSU. She began her career in the Orleans Parish Public School system and then taught at Kehoe France before devoting her time to becoming a stay-at-home mom.

Betty married Louis Bravo in New Orleans and they celebrated a beautiful 64-year marriage. Lou passed away on September 15 th , 2019 and Betty greatly missed him. Lou and Betty had five children: Bruce (sp. Elvira), Elizabeth (sp. Bruce), Clinton (sp. Mary), David (sp. Michele), and Steven who preceded her in death. They had nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

In her 91 years, Betty Bravo was a lifelong learner who always had a new project or hobby. She and Lou had many adventures together including traveling to Elderhostels, taking scholar-audited college classes at UNO, and taking additional video courses from the library. Betty was an avid reader who belonged to two book clubs and her favorite author was Ernest Hemingway. She was also a passionate gardener who loved to grow vegetables in her backyard and she stayed active throughout her life with yoga and riding bikes. Betty loved art as well and served as a master docent for New Orleans Museum of Art. Beyond art, Betty was a huge LSU baseball fan and had the best time cheering on the Tigers as they won the College World Series last year.

Betty had a heart for service and volunteered at Food for Friends, delivering meals to AIDS patients. She was also a charter member of Mother Earth organization.

Betty Bravo’s family invites you to join them in celebrating her life. Please attend with your best Betty stories. The Funeral Mass and burial will be held on Monday, March 4 th , 2024 at 2 p.m. at St. Joseph Abbey, 75376 River Road, St. Benedict, LA 70457. There will be a visitation prior to the service at 1 p.m. and a reception to follow at the Retreat Center.