Elaine Bradley Obituary

Bradley
Elaine Bradley
November 3, 1936
January 24, 2025

Elaine passed away peacefully at home with family by her side. She was born at
St. Luke's Hospital in Denver to Gerald and Inez (Red Kivett) Wagner, and six days later, the family moved to Colorado Springs.

Elaine attended St. Mary's Grade School, The Steel School and North Junior High. After graduating from Colorado Springs High School (Palmer), she followed in her sister's footsteps and attended Stephen's College for Women in Columbia, Missouri. With her associates degree in hand, she began studies at the University of Colorado (Boulder) to become a doctor.
Those plans quickly changed when she met a handsome Fort Carson soldier, Jay Bradley, at a Colorado College hockey game. They were married in 1957 and went on to have four children whom they raised in the Black Forest.
They briefly moved the family to Albuquerque, NM for a year, owning and operating a Dunkin Donuts franchise. Working separate 12-hour shifts with four young kids at home was difficult so they sold the franchise and returned to Black Forest.
Elaine was an extraordinary gardener. With Jay's help, they grew, harvested, and stored nutritious food for their family. Her specialty was her Nine Day Chunk Pickle recipe.
She also enjoyed quilting, needlework, and crocheting. She often made Halloween costumes and completed unique quilts for everyone in the family.
Elaine was a Girl Scout Leader, and when it was time for the fiercely competitive cookie sales, the garage would be full of cartons!
She loved to travel and made the journey from Colorado to Alaska seven times with Jay, the family dogs, children, or grandchildren in tow.
She was the proud proprietor of The Perfect Present and The Perfect Present II in CO Springs, where she created unique presents and cards.
She was a member of The Divine Redeemer and Our Lady of the Pines Catholic churches.
Elaine was preceded in death by a son, Gerald Wagner Bradley (Jerry), and her husband, John Jay Bradley. She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Patricia & Donald Cloud; brother-in-law Nathaniel F. Bradley III; children, Katie (Dave), John Jay Jr., and Pauli (Brett); grandchildren Jeremy, Jessica (Shawn), John, Jerry, JoAnn, John Jay III (Maegon), and Guy; great-grandchildren Aaron, Patrick (Manon), Taylynn (TurnerII), Jeremy, Corey, Alyssa, and Kennadi; second-great grandchildren, Turner III & Oliver; many nieces and nephews; and special long-time friends Marie, Ruth, and Darby.
Our family sends a special "Thank-You" to caregivers Kathy, Carmen, Brittney, Jennifer, Rachel, and Natalie. Additional thanks go out to the entire team at Pikes Peak Hospice & Palliative Care, including Carmen, Sarah, and especially Martin!
Services will be held Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Our Lady Of The Pines Catholic Church, Public Visitation will be 10:00AM - 10:30AM, Rosary will be 10:30AM - 11:00AM, Mass will be 11:00AM - 12:00PM, and a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution to The Black Forest Fire Rescue or The Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region would be appreciated.