Mary Louise (Ierise) Bradley

Mary Louise (Ierise) Bradley, 89, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2025 in Huntersville, NC. She was a loving mother, grandmother, wife, daughter and friend to all. Mary was born November 19, 1936 in Follansbee, WV, to Antonio and Angelina (Pasquaretta) Ierise. A child during WWII, Mary recalled blackouts, with only the light of the radio permitted. At the end of the war, Mary remembered everyone “burst out of their houses and were dancing in the streets.”

In early adult life, Mary was an entrepreneur. After graduating from high school, she worked at Virginia’s Beauty Salon in Follansbee and Stone & Thomas in Wheeling, WV. She attended two beauty schools in New York City, later taking over from Virginia and opening her own business, Maryla’s Beauty Salon, which she operated successfully for several years. Following her marriage to James (Jim) Bradley in 1962, Mary’s focus shifted from career to supporting Jim’s military career and building a life centered on family. Mary closed her salon but continued to style the hair of neighbors and friends.

As a military wife, Mary adapted to frequent moves with resourcefulness and grace. She and Jim first lived in a chateau in Orléans, France, for three years before posts in Arizona, Alaska, and Virginia. When Jim deployed to Vietnam, Mary relocated with their five young children to the Waiting Wives Base in Kansas, where she managed family life on her own. She often said her happiest memories were when her children were born. After Jim’s return, the family completed five-year tours in Alabama, Germany and Fort Knox, KY. Following Jim’s retirement, they settled in Radcliff, KY. Wherever they lived, Mary made a welcoming home for her family.

Following Jim’s death in 2021, Mary relocated to Davidson, NC. At The Pines she was a friend to all she encountered. She often offered just the right advice: “One day at a time.” Her hope for her family was that they would “Be themselves, and be honest and just try to do things that will really make them happy and be good people.”

Mary is survived by children Anne Schreiber (Bill), Kathleen Goff (Phil), Michelle Twaroski (Ugo Vuotto) and David Bradley (Teresa); grandchildren Amelia, Ian and Ryan; great-grandchildren Theodore and Brooks, and siblings Natalie Davis, Theresa Griffin and Joseph Ierise. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son James Bradley, grandson Jacob Bradley and siblings Victoria and Nicodemo.

Mass will be held at 11 am on December 3, 2025 at St Therese Catholic Church, 217 Brawley School Rd, Mooresville, NC. Interment will be held at 10:30 am on December 4, 2025 in Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central in Radcliff, KY. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Alzheimer's Association.

Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home & Cremation Services is caring for the family. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.KepnerFH.com