Sr. Marie Roberta Bridgeman

Sr. Roberta Bridgeman, OLM Sister Marie Roberta Bridgeman, a Sister of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy, died at May Forest, the Motherhouse of the Congregation on September 4, 2010. Sr. Roberta, formerly Mary Bridgeman, was born on March 30, 1915 to Robert A. and Isabel F. Lynch Bridgeman. A graduate of St. Angela Academy, Aiken, SC, she received a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Seton Hall University in New Jersey. She also attended Our Lady of Mercy Junior College, Charleston, SC, Pius X School of Music in New York City, Notre Dame University in South Bend, Indiana and The Citadel, Charleston, SC. Sister Roberta entered the convent on August 15, 1932. She professed her first vows on June 11, 1935 and final vows August 15, 1949. A professional educator, Sr. Roberta taught at the Cathedral School, St. Patrick's School, Sacred Heart School in Charleston, SC as well as St. Mary's School, Greenville, SC. She specialized in piano and organ. She served as principal at St. Joseph's School, Charleston, SC, Christ Our King/Stella Maris School, Mt. Pleasant, SC, and Our Lady of Mt. Virgin School, Middlesex, NJ. She also served on school boards, parish councils, and the Board of Directors of Divine Savior Hospital and Nursing Home, York, SC. Sister Roberta was the Director of Novices for her religious congregation from 1961-1970, Vicar General and member of the General Council from 1980-1984. She served as assistant coordinator of the Motherhouse 1988-1996, and served as the Coordinator in local convents in Middlesex, NJ, Mt. Pleasant, SC, and Greenville, SC. Sr. Roberta was predeceased in death by her parents and her sister, Isabel L. Bridgeman. Sister is survived by her sisters in the community of The Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy. The Mass of Christian burial will be held at May Forest, Motherhouse Chapel at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, September 7, 2010. The Rite of Committal will be held in Holy Cross Cemetery. Friends are invited to call at the Motherhouse, 424 Fort Johnson Rd. James Island, SC on Monday from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM. A Vigil Service will be held at the Motherhouse on Monday at 6:30 PM. In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach, PO Box 607 Johns Island, SC 29457. Arrangements are by the James A. McAlister Funeral Home. 1620 Savannah Hwy. Charleston, 766-1365. Sr. Roberta's guest book may be signed online at www.jamesamcalister.com