TRAVERSE CITY — Barbara W. Bradford, 81, of Traverse City, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2006, in Traverse City.
She was born April 17, 1925, at Munson Hospital in Traverse City, the daughter of Stephen D. and Irene (Pike) Wade.
Upon graduation from Traverse City High School in 1943, she attended Davenport Business Institute in Grand Rapids, after which she was employed as a secretary at the Traverse City State Hospital.
On June 25, 1945, in Chicago, she married Robert W. Bradford of Traverse City. They lived in Memphis, Tenn., Chicago and Grand Rapids, Mich., before returning to Traverse City in 1949 to reside permanently.
Barbara worked as a medical secretary for 20 years and after retirement in 1986 devoted herself to her grandchildren and their activities.
She was a long-time member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, a former member of Catholic Daughters of America, the American Legion Auxiliary and the Traverse City Country Club, among other organizations. She was instrumental in the founding and formation of the Traverse City Civic Players (Old Town Playhouse).
Survivors include three daughters, Stephanie (Raymond) Beach, Mary (Donald) White, and Barbara (Troy) Turner, all of Traverse City; nine grandchildren, Brian (Michelle) Beach, Melissa Beach, Jordan (Anna) Beach, Rebekah and Zachery White, Joshua (Amber) Turner, Hilary (Bill Crawford) Turner, and Seth Turner, all of Traverse City; and Emily (David) Sherman of Fredericksburg, Va. Also surviving are great-grandchildren, Hunter and M'Lynn Beach, Michael Beach, Madison Houy and Cash Crawford, all of Traverse City; Caylin White of Harbor Springs, and Ella and Connor Sherman of Fredericksburg, Va.; a brother, William (Cathy) Wade of Lake City, and many nieces, nephews, and brothers- and sisters-in-law.
Preceding her in death were her husband in 1997, and her parents.
Friends may call at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006, from 2 to 4 p.m., where a scripture service will be held at 4 p.m. A memorial Mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Monday, Dec. 11, 2006, at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Kenneth Stachnik serving as the celebrant. Cremation has taken place. Burial will take place later at Oakwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Father Fred Foundation, Munson Hospice House, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church or St. Jude Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.
The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home; www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.
This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.
