Bridie, as her beloved husband Manuel called her, was born in Dublin, Ireland, the daughter of James and Bridget Smyth. Of her seven siblings, she is survived by her loving sister and beloved aunt, Teresa (Tossie) O’Neill, and her brother, Seamus Smyth.
Bridie married Manuel Fernandez in 1963 and moved to Philadelphia in 1964 where she spent the next 54 years raising six children and finding joy in the time spent with each of her 13 grandchildren.
A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Bridie will always be known to her grandchildren as Mom Mom. Her lilting brogue, easy smile, blue eyes and laugh that lit up a room will forever be missed, while her memory will always bring a smile to all who knew her well. And those who may only have known her in passing will simply remember the woman who called them “love.”
Mom Mom will be missed most of all by her children, Manuel Sean (Sean), Leonor (Lee), Eileen, Anthony, Bridget and Seamus, and by her grandchildren, Matthew, Acacia (Casey), Anthony, Aurora (Rory), Christopher, Jimmy, Manny, Mari Elena, Tony, Liam, Eva, Vivian, and Will. She taught us all how to laugh and to love.
Relatives and Friends are invited to attend her Viewing and Funeral Thursday 9:30 AM August 6, 2020 at St. Jerome Church (8100 Colfax Street Philadelphia 19136) followed by her Funeral Mass 10:30 AM. Rite of Committal Resurrection Cemetery Bensalem PA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions or donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, St. Joseph’s Preparatory School, National Public Radio or PBS.
