A legacy of love, generosity, and dedication will endure for generations to come.
Obituary
A Legacy That Will Endure
On July 11, 1974, Bridgette Arlene was born to Oscar and Marilyn Francis. Bridgette was the couple's first daughter, and she grew up in a loving home. Bridgette attended Oakes Field Primary School and then St. Augustine's College.
In high school, Bridgette was very good at playing volleyball and basketball but declined offers to join the basketball team. Instead, she became President of the Catholic Action Group with Fr. Elias Achatz serving as the Chaplain. Father Elias had taught Bridgette's father when he attended SAC, so she was happy to follow her father's footsteps.
Bridgette was an active member at St. Joseph's Catholic Church and was often selected to read the scriptures during mass, and she spent a lot of her time participating in the church's youth group. People would often say that Bridgette would make a good nun.
Bridgette loved gardening, which was a passion that she shared with her father. They spent hours planting crops in the family's yard and ensured that it was landscaped well.
Bridgette completed SAC in June 1991 and earned the Top Business Math Student award at graduation. Initially, Bridgette considered becoming a teacher, but she changed her mind after finding a Palm Beach Atlantic College brochure. She liked what she read and submitted an admissions application. Bridgette began PBA in West Palm Beach, Florida, in 1992. It was a small Christian college in the center of the city. The rules were strict, and the people were friendly. Bridgette joined the Bahamian Students Association and made lifelong friends.
Bridgette was very focused on academics. She was named to the Dean's List and President's List consistently due to academic achievement. Bridgette was selected as a Who's Who Among Students In American Universities and Colleges. Bridgette graduated Cum Laude in 1997 with Bachelor of Arts degree in Finance and Banking.
Although Bridgette's time at PBA ended, she never stopped being its biggest cheerleader. She became a PBA-Bahamas liaison and visited Bahamian high schools to encourage students to attend the institution that had such a huge impact on her. She even convinced her younger sister, Loretta, to attend PBA. Bridgette also became President of The Bahamas Chapter of the Palm Beach Atlantic University Alumni Association.
Bridgette realized that she had a real passion for assisting Bahamian students in their pursuit of international education. She became a member of the Financial Planning Association (USA) and decided to establish a business. In Fall 2011, Bridgette launched the Bridgette Francis International College Planning and Consulting Firm. Her objective was to match Bahamians with international scholarships.
Bridgette's father, Oscar, passed away in January 2012. Her father had been very proud of her accomplishments and her new business. Bridgette established the Oscar Francis International Education and Sports Christian Garden to honour his legacy.
Bridgette became an agent for numerous schools, colleges, and universities in Canada, the USA, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Bridgette dedicated most of her time speaking with parents, students, guidance counselors, and institutions' representatives to seek scholarships. She would excitedly speak about “my students” and their achievements. She posted their successes daily on her Facebook page.
Bridgette met the love of her life, Pete Ingraham. Friendship developed into more, and they became engaged on Christmas Day 2019. They were married on September 26, 2020, in a small gathering due to strict COVID restrictions.
Bridgette hosted a major college fair in Fall 2023 and was excited about new partnership opportunities that would provide more scholarship options to students starting in 2024.
Bridgette was devastated when her mother passed away on February 22, 2024. She wondered how life would be without her best friend with whom she talked constantly. As life would have it, Bridgette's health deteriorated during funeral preparations, but she wanted to ensure that her mother received the proper sendoff. At the funeral on March 16, Bridgette insisted that she read a tribute to her mother. Bridgette was weak but she spoke loudly and lovingly about her mother.
On Holy Thursday, Bridgette was admitted to the hospital because she had developed sepsis. She fought hard, but she never recovered. On April 9, she passed away three months shy of her 50th birthday.
Bridgette touched the lives of thousands of students, their families, and institutions. She was a nation builder. Her outstanding legacy will endure.
Timeline
Gallery
Memory wall
More importantly she loved to see students thriving and making a positive impact throughout the world.
A heart for serving and hands for helping – who is going to fill those shoes?
Heaven truly gained an angel! We will continue to keep the family in prayer during this difficult time.
Joy always comes in the morning light ❤ Be encouraged.
-Hanna Family
She made time for everyone and always wanted to see others win! She was a cheerleader and a pioneer. She had a vision of seeing Bahamians utilize their complete God given potential to become the very best version of themselves! My sister Kathrina referred sooooo many students to her. We know they changed the trajectories of their lives after a single encounter with her. I know that her legacy will continue to live on! I count it a privilege to have known her, may she rest and reign in paradise!
Kathrina, Nakeisha, & entire Rodgers' Family
I showed my appreciation to Mrs. Francis-Ingraham while she was here on earth and for that I am glad. I am indeed heart broken, but I am glad that she was able to make a positive impact on the lives of many- while here on earth.
She will forever be in my heart. ❤️
*Bridgette* was such a wonderful petson.
She and I connected through the Bridgette Francis International College Foundation She wanted every individual that came in contact with her to be successful. She was indeed a pioneer for higher education 'par excellence'. She assisted my family with our daughters decision for choosing Universities that not only fit they're choice of career but also their personalities. *(I thank God for Bridgette, an Angel😇)*
*Bridgette* was such a humble person; with a quiet demeanor and portrayed her Christian values consistently even through her 'ups and downs'
*The Word of God says,* "a humble child taste the grace of God". I can truly attest that Bridgette had the grace of God on her life, even in her passing from earth to eternal glory.
*Bridgette* was a gem and a Woman Of Substance💜🩷
*~Angel has gone home to reap her reward* 🕊️😇🤍
May she rest peace and God’s warm embrace.
Equipped with wisdom, knowledge, vision, grace, peace, hope, direction, unity and love.
A way maker -turning dreams to reality
A promise keeper -showing everything is possible for those that believe.
A Woman after God's own heart.
Take your rest,
God's garden must be beautiful,
He always takes the Best.
RHONDA WILLIAMS ❤
How i wish this was not real
How I wish your hands could feel
How I wish your feet could walk
How I wish that we could talk
But, alas that's not to be
For you are no longer here with me.
Bridgette, you were a bright light in this dark world. Your kind caring spirit was truly rare. I will miss you my friend, but the memories I have of you will remain with me always. Thanks for sharing your heart with so many.
Take your rest my sweet Saxon Sister, until we meet again ❤️
Mrs Bridgette Francis-Ingraham was instrumental in assisting my son with his college choice. From the very first day I met her, until just a few weeks ago, we remained in contact. Seeing her post her students success was always inspiring, she truly loved all of her students, and my son Mi'Kyle Percentie was no exception.
May her soul rest in peace and rise in glory.
Gone too soon!!!
Your friend,
Jackee
"BIG Red Machine..Choo, Choo"
May shr rest in peace