Jean Marie Bradley

Jean Marie Bradley, 82, of Abingdon, Maryland passed peacefully on Saturday, June 2, 2012.
She was born October 7, 1929 in Baltimore, Maryland, the only child of Anna Marie (Dee) and Charles Ellsworth Taylor. She graduated from The Catholic High School of Baltimore in 1947. She married Thomas Marshall Bradley Sr. at Saint Paul's Roman Catholic Church in Baltimore on Thanksgiving Day, November 24th 1949.

Jean was a proud mother of four: Thomas Jr., Kathleen, Karen, and Caroline. She was a homemaker until her children were of school age, after which she became a part-time and then full-time bookkeeper. She was a life-long resident and proud citizen of Maryland, living in Baltimore City, Perry Hall, and Abingdon. She enjoyed participating in lively political debates, reading and studying history, cheering for her Baltimore sports teams, playing cards, solving crossword puzzles, decorating and maintaining a spotless home, and dining out. She actively supported her husband throughout his career as an AFL-CIO union official. A true partner, she was at his side at union events and rallies and even edited his speeches at times. Jean was an ardent Democrat, supporting social justice causes and embracing progressive movements.

Jean took great pride in the achievements of her children and grandchildren. Part of her legacy resides in their shared joy and continuation of her own interests and passions.

Jean's greatest disappointment was the loss of her husband and the end of their cherished life together.

Jean was kind, generous, witty, and loving. She had an infectious sense of humor, sometimes being the object of her own jokes. She was a vivid storyteller, sharing her childhood, her witness to history, and her adventures with her beloved husband.

She is survived by her children Thomas Jr. and his wife Debbie of Joppa, Kathleen Solomon and her husband Rodney of Boston, MA, Karen Fields and her husband Tim of Kennedyville, Caroline Shea and her husband Josh of Abingdon. She is also survived by six grandchildren: Shana and Rodney Solomon, Alec and Taylor Fields, Brady and Will Shea.

Memorial fund donations go to The American Heart Association, P.O. Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058.