Bridget G. Gavin "Bridie"

Bridget G. Gavin “Bridie” Chili: Thursday, August 20, 2026 at age 88. Predeceased by her husband, Patrick; and sister, Sr. Rose (Marie) O'Connor in Ireland. Survived by her children, Mary Ellen (Bob) Hall, Sheila Gavin and Patrick (Judi); grandchildren, Bridget and Gavin Hall and Sam and Genna Gavin; sisters, Eileen “Evelyn” Fallon and Sarah (Martin) Curley; and several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and dear friends. Bridget Connor “Bridie” was born on November 13, 1937, in Roundfort, County Mayo, Ireland. She grew up on a small family farm as one of four daughters of Ellen and James Connor, alongside her sisters Marie (Sr. Rose Connor), Evelyn (Fallon), and Sarah (Curley). The girls loved to ride their bikes for miles and sing in the choir at church. Her childhood was centered on family, and hard work, shaping the faith, strength and love that guided her throughout her life. Bridie left school at a young age to help her father on the farm. As a teenager, she knew opportunities in Ireland were limited at that time. At fifteen, she worked as a maid in a hotel in Claremorris, a neighboring town, for four years. At nineteen, her Uncle Pat in Rochester, New York invited her to come to the United States, Bridie accepted his offer, leaving behind her family, country, and everything familiar in search of a better life. After arriving in Rochester, New York, Bridie went daily for six weeks to the Eastman Kodak employment office until she secured a job, then quickly repaid her uncle for the airfare he had lent her. Her persistence, pride, and work ethic were evident from the start. In Rochester, Bridie met Patrick (Pat) Gavin at the Hibernian Club, where young Irish immigrants gathered for music, dancing, and community. They married in America and built a life rooted in Irish tradition, Catholic faith, family loyalty, and hard work. Together, they raised three children—Mary Ellen, Sheila, and Patrick—and made many sacrifices so their children would have a Catholic education and greater opportunities. Bridie and Pat always dreamed of returning to Ireland to be near family. In 1967, they sold their home in Chili (NY) and moved back with their three young children, briefly living with Bridie’s sister Eileen (Evelyn) in Galway. When Ireland’s economy made it difficult to stay, they returned to Rochester after three months and began again, showing the same strength and love that shaped their lives. Bridie carried the sacrifices of immigration with grace, including the distance from family in an era of letters, rare phone calls, and costly travel. Though she deeply missed loved ones in Ireland, she moved forward with faith and strength. She and Pat moved back to Chili in 1973 and became members of St. Pius X Church. Rochester became home, and over the years she and Pat made treasured trips back to Ireland to spend time with family. After retiring from Eastman Kodak, Bridie embraced her favorite chapter as “Grandma Bridie.” She adored her grandchildren—Bridget, Gavin, Sam, and Genna—and loved making Irish soda bread with them, walking to Davis Park, and taking them to McDonald’s for kids’ meals. She also enjoyed volunteering in the St. Pius X Helping Hands and participating in the knitting and crocheting group. After Pat’s passing, Bridie enjoyed living at the Northfield Assisted Living Facility, where she made many friends. Her health declined, and she eventually spent her last years at the Episcopal Church Home. She never complained and always had a smile on her face when the family would visit. She was very sharp and loved playing bingo and cards. Above all, Bridie will be remembered for her beautiful smile, unconditional love, positive spirit, and the example she set for her family. Her journey from County Mayo, Ireland to the United States will continue to inspire all who carry forward the lessons she lived each day. Bridie will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by her family, friends, and all whose lives were touched by her faith, strength, and love. Family and friends may call at the Leo M. Bean and Sons Funeral Home Wednesday 4-7pm. Funeral Mass Thursday 10am at St. Pius Tenth Church, 3000 Chili Ave. Rochester, NY 14624. Interment, St. Pius Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association. (https://www.heart.org)