Bridget Rachelle Arender, 48 of Bolton, MS passed away Wednesday, November 13, 2024. She was born Monday, August 2, 1976 in Flowood, Mississippi.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 17, 2024 from 12:00 P.M. until 2:00 P.M. at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Magee, Mississippi. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, November 17, 2024 at 2:00 P.M. at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Magee. Burial will follow in New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery in Mt. Olive, Mississippi. Donnie South will officiate. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Magee is in charge of arrangements. 601-849-5031

Growing up, Bridget had a big heart for animals and offered a home to many dogs, cats, fish, and horses. Survivors include her cats: Bowie, Elvis, Dean, Sookie and Scarlet who will reside with her mother.

Bridget possessed a natural gift for artistic expression, bringing imagination and originality to everything she created. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Mississippi College (Clinton, MS) in 1999. Her works of art will be displayed at her visitation.

Bridget decided to pursue a career path associated with her passion as a caregiver and returned to school. She received an Associate Degree of Applied Science at Hinds Community College (Jackson, MS) in 2005 and successfully obtained her license in Respiratory Therapy.

Bridget was a Registered Respiratory Therapist with 20 years of experience. As a dedicated Respiratory Therapist, she brought hope and healing to patients struggling to breath, skillfully managing ventilators, delivering life-sustaining treatments, and providing compassionate care during their most vulnerable moments. Bridget worked at Baptist Health Medical Center (Jackson, MS) from July 2005 to April 2024 and St. Dominic Health Systems (Jackson, MS) from February 2010 to November 2024.  She was repeatedly recognized as a Respiratory Therapist Caregiver of the Month during her career.

During the COVID pandemic, Bridget showed up day after day as a Respiratory Therapist, despite the risks and exhaustion. She was a beacon of hope for COVID patients and their families when they needed it most.

Bridget's infectious joy and imaginative touch transformed everyday moments into opportunities for laughter and connection, such as drawing fun Garfield images on the whiteboards, impersonating characters, or offering genuine care and concern for others.

Bridget will be mourned by her family, friends, colleagues, her furry loved ones, and all others she compassionately touched along her life.

She was preceded in death by her father, Jerry Lee Arender; grandfathers, John James Sullivan and LD Arender; grandmothers, Lucille Sullivan and Bernice Arender; and host of cousins.

Survivors include her mother, Janet Sullivan Arender; brother, Destry  Lee  Arender;  sisters, Chaleeta  Arender and Amelia  Arender;  aunt, Martha  Lavy  (David);  uncles, James Sullivan (Jean) and Bobby Arender (Peggy); and host of  cousins.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapelmageemendenhall.com