Betty Riedlinger Bruce

Betty Riedlinger Bruce, of Mandeville, LA, just 66 years young, succumbed on October 1, 2023, after the fiercest of fights with cancer. She was surrounded by love, when the angels lifted her, by her husband Rickey Bruce, her son Gregory Motichek and fiancée, Cheyenne McLain, her daughter Caitlin and husband Matthew “Matt” Davenport, sister Mary Ann Casey and dearest friend of 54 years, Carol Gibbs.

Betty was born on May 21, 1957, and was predeceased by her parents, Warren Riedlinger and Bernadine Hannon. Betty is survived by her loving husband, Rickey, her children, Greg and Caitlin, and sister, Mary Casey, as well as other extended family members.

Betty was recently retired after a stellar professional history of 35 years, with Sygnvs Integrated Solutions, where her mark still remains. Betty was a graduate of Slidell High School, where she was a Flag Girl. So began her love of being in the spotlight. Betty and Rickey were married on February 4, 2012 and together, embraced life with travel, weekends at their getaway condo in Orange Beach, creating gatherings at the drop of a hat and loving life together with family and friends.

Betty gave of herself in countless ways to so many worthy causes, some of which include Professional Women of St Tammany, Marigny Trace POA, Veritas, Woman of Infinite Possibilities, Habitat W.A.T.C.H. and the last; but, surely not the least, Old Girls Gone Wild (OGGW). Betty also contributed, participated in and was part of the program leadership team with You Night & Ribbons Rock the Runway (Sparks of Hope). So, it would stand to reason that most of us found ourselves on a new “Betty planned” path.

Betty loved being on or near the water, whether a beach or pool, and oh how she loved her sunsets! It was commonplace for Betty to announce a gathering at either her home or condo. Always requiring that one bring a swimsuit for a dip in the pool or hot tub.

Betty could never say no and became involved in a plethora of organizations. Her life was a carousel of missions – professional, personal, religious, health – just share the organization’s need and the next thing you know, she was on it and absolutely refused to take no for an answer from anyone else involved. And so the connections continually built and grew. Betty’s greatest gift was bringing women together to forge profound and everlasting connections, thus creating a tapestry of love and friendship that will endure the generations.

Betty Bruce became more than just a name to anyone she met. If we were all to line up, holding hands, we would likely span the entire State of Louisiana and possibly all the way to her beloved Orange Beach.

Betty emphasized the fierce light that she was with all that she did. Each day she awoke with a mental agenda that always included keeping those closest to her in check – her husband, Rickey, her son, Gregory, & her daughter Caitlin – always keeping tabs on them and making sure they would remain close.

Betty’s animals lived their best life with her, being cared for, pampered, hugged and loved. The most aloof of cats would be drawn to Betty and sit or lay on her beside her endlessly. Her precious Jessie was her big baby and we can rest assured that Jessie and all of Betty’s other fur babies were eagerly awaiting the arrival of their Mom at the top of the Rainbow Bridge.

Betty’s faith was tantamount to her ceaseless drive and she was steadfast in her support of Anna Donahue and Joyce Meyer Ministries. That faith served as a guiding light, illuminating the path for all who knew her. Her sense of purpose was awe-inspiring.

Betty Bruce’s legacy will live on in the enduring bonds she created and nurtured. Her life will continue to impact so many of us for the rest of our days. We were blessed to have known her, honored to be a part of her life, challenged by her drive. Betty has probably already set the wheels in motion planning parties for our arrival. In the meantime, her wish, as always, was for all to enjoy togetherness and love.

Godspeed, Dearest Betty. We know that you are keeping the light on for us.

A visitation for Betty will be held Saturday, October 21, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Grace Funeral Home, 450 Holy Trinity Dr., Covington, LA 70433 followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 12:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Betty may be made to The Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at https://marybird.org/location/covington.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gracenorthshore.com for the Bruce family.