Betty V. Bradley, beloved mother, grandmother
Betty V. Bradley, known as Ginny to her family and friends, was born March 21, 1932, to Albert and Julia Wilshire, in Patton, Pa. Ginny was the youngest of five children, so she was always surrounded by loving brothers, Albert, Daniel and Thomas, and a very special big sister, Lorraine. There was an 18-year age gap between the oldest and the youngest, so it was not long until the family grew with in-laws and nieces and nephews. Ginny was musically inclined playing piano at the level that she was invited to a Julliard audition. She chose to stay close to home working in the local dress shop and bank.
As the youngest of five, Ginny has outlived her siblings and even many nieces and nephews. She is lucky to still have her oldest brother Albert’s wife, Agnes, living at 107 years old.
Working at the bank, Ginny met the handsome new high school teacher who had just moved to town. Their courtship was a whirlwind of picnics and drives in the country. Raymond was a true romantic, and the family cherishes many beautiful love letters that he wrote. Her brothers embraced Ray, their new friend, and taught him the pastimes of fishing and hunting in the Pennsylvania hills.
The ambitious young couple started their family, built a new home, and Raymond became a professor at St. Francis College in Loretto, Pa. Busy and happy years ensued with the birth of four daughters, Marcy, Nancy, Laura and Beth. Ginny was the consummate housewife; piano lessons, sewing projects, camping trips, and evening strolls were some of the activities that filled her days. Somehow, she found time to work as a part-time teller at Loretto Community Bank, which was a wonderful way to get out of the house and delegate some chores! Being part of the college community, Catholic Parish of St. Michael’s, and raising a family, meant there was never a dull moment. Ginny even attended college classes as her nest began to empty. All four daughters graduated from Saint Francis College, married and started careers and families.
Family includes Marcy, her husband Patrick Kulina, and their children Payton (Dani) and Zoe (Myles). Nancy married Paul Kerr. Their children are Emma Kerr and Ian (Alissa), who have two sons Noah and Mylo. Nancy is remarried to John Loiselle. Laura married Jim Gettings and they have chosen dogs, including two favorites Lucky and Bailey. Beth and her spouse, Mark Peticca, have two children Marco and Mary.
Ray and Ginny only slowed down when they left the hills of Pennsylvania for the coast of Delaware to be close to family and to shovel less snow. While Lewes was never quite home, they led fulfilled lives with their new parish of St. Jude’s, and lots of friendly neighbors in Mill Pond Acres. A very special friend, Bonnie Taylor, became a very dear friend to Ray and Ginny. Her visits were the best part of the week. She not only brought the Eucharist, but great conversation and companionship. Ray completed his long and happy life at 91, dying peacefully at home Christmas Eve. As is so often the case, life becomes lonely for one widowed after 62 years of marriage. The Lodge at Historic Lewes was Ginny’s final home, where many, many fine caretakers helped her in her final days. Special recognition to Tom Gibbs, whose many kindnesses included morning pastry delivery.
Catholic services will be scheduled at a later date and burial will be beside her beloved husband at the beautiful mountainside cemetery at Saint Michaels Basilica, Loretto, Pa.
Visit Betty's Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
