Lucy J. Bradley

MADISON – Lucy (Basile) Bradley, 99 years young, laid down her crossword pencil, played her last hands of euchre and pinochle, and closed the chapter on the latest mystery as she took her leave on June 30, 2018. She was the youngest of 11 siblings and outlived them all! She was born April 1, 1919 in Philadelphia, PA to Giuseppe and Maria (D’Angelo) Basile, Albanian-Italian immigrants. She had six older brothers and four older sisters and happily recalled growing up in a loud, busy, nurturing, and fun-loving household. Nicknamed “Toots” because of her fondness for Tootsie Rolls, she graduated from West Philadelphia High School in 1936. She wanted to go to college, but as the youngest of 11 children – and a female – she was expected to stay at home and tend to her aging parents. Lucy met the love of her life, Jack Bradley, at a dance on the Steel Pier in Atlantic City in 1940, and the two were married on Sept. 20, 1941. Jack spent part of his service time at Truax Field in Madison before heading overseas. Their son Ron was born in 1943, followed by Doug in 1947. The Bradleys left Philadelphia for brief stints in Youngstown, Ohio and Pittsburgh, PA from 1959-66 before returning to their hometown. Jack and Lucy moved to Madison in 2006.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her 10 brothers and sisters; and, her husband Jack. She is survived by her loving sons, Ron (Carol) of Phoenix, Ariz. and Doug (Pam Shannon) of Madison; devoted grandchildren, Michael (Jessica) Bradley of Phoenix, Nicole (Skylar) Bradley Browning of Missoula, Tim (Katie) Bradley of Phoenix, Summer (Brandon) Strand of Waunakee, Kevin Bradley of Phoenix, and Ian (Mary) Bradley of Phoenix; and beloved great-grandchildren, Annabella, Oliver, and Penelope Bradley Browning; Emma and Noah Bradley; and Jackson and Bowen Strand. Lucy enjoyed many good years at All Saints Neighborhood in Madison. Her family appreciates the many friendships she made there, and the loving care she received from Seasons of Life, LLC (esp. Liz Humphries) and the compassionate Purple Team of Agrace Hospice. In lieu of flowers, Lucy's family suggests donations be made in her memory to Veterans for Peace, Chapter 25, PO Box 1811 Madison, WI 53701-1811, to be used for the James C. Allen Scholarship Fund. Lucy Basile Bradley epitomized the old Italian saying, “Amor di madre, amore senza limiti” – “A mother’s love has no limits.” Thank you for a lifetime of unlimited love, Lucy. Rest easy mama.  A celebration of Lucy’s life will be held on Saturday, July 21, 2018, at 1 p.m. at All Saints Retirement Center, 8202 Highview Drive, Madison. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.