Obituary of Helen M. Bradley

Celebrating the Life of Helen Marie Bradley Helen Marie Roney was born September 30, 1937 in Bloomington, Illinois, to Bert and Clarice Roney (born on her mom’s b-day). It was hard to miss Helen with her beautiful red hair :-). Helen grew up in central Illinois.  At Oakwood Township High School, she was active in 4-H, twirled the baton and played the piano for school and church programs.  In 1960, she met Ron Bradley at a 4 lane bowling alley.  They were married on her parent’s anniversary December 30, 1960.  Their daughter Cindy was born December 1962. In 1963, they moved to Pinellas Park, Florida, to be near Helen’s parents.  Helen was a stay-at-home mom who sewed, baked, created and much more… While living in Pinellas Park, Helen and Ron attended the First UMC Pinellas Park, where they made their commitment to follow Christ.  They were active in their Sunday School Class and also worked with the youth.  Helen served as charter member and president of the Pinellas Park Women’s Club. It might be hard to imagine this, but Helen drove a school bus for 3 years in Crystal River.  She volunteered as a church secretary while living in Mt. Dora, eventually learning computer skills and working as an administrative assistant for the Orlando division office of 7-11 until she retired in 2004.  (At her retirement party, she was given a large print Bible – which showed that her faith was lived out in the workplace too). Upon moving to Palm Bay, in their retirement years, Helen and Ron volunteered with United Methodist Volunteers in Mission serving on week long trips to Central America and on Samaritan’s Purse Disaster Relief projects.  ‘Mrs. Bradley’ occasionally worked as a substitute in the office of Rivera Elementary School.  In 2013 they built a home in Rockledge and continued hosting birthday gatherings and special occasions with their ‘adopted’ family. Known as ‘Honey’, ‘Mama’, ‘Mother Bradley’, ‘the Queen’, ‘Mrs. Schutz’s mom’, Helen ‘adopted’ many ‘adult’ children.  She was faithful in praying for them, writing notes of encouragement and lending a listening ear. Helen was a loving and faithful wife of 59+ years to Ron, her devoted husband. She is survived by daughter Cindy and her husband Fred Schutz, brother Jerry (Marlene) Roney (Lake Talquin, FL), niece Carrie (Barry) Kennick (Plainfield, IL) and many friends who became ‘family’ along the way. Favorite scriptures: God’s telephone number – Jeremiah 33:3 – “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great things”, Psalm 27:1 “The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear”, Lamentations 3: 22-23 “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Favorite Hymns: Amazing Grace, Great is Thy Faithfulness, There’s Just Something about that Name Memorial contributions may be made to: Samaritan’s Purse or Cross Bridge Church. Thank you to all who visited with her, prayed for her and ministered to her.