Obituary of Frances M. Bradford
Frances M. Bradford, age 64, of Morris, passed away peacefully in her home on Monday, September 25, 2023.
Born February 19, 1959, she was the daughter of John and Mary (Gould) Maher, and was a graduate of Gardner-South Wilmington High School and Joliet Junior College.
She met the love of her life, Raymond E. Bradford, when they were both 16 years old. They married on October 4, 1980, and honeymooned in Cape Cod. Ray remained her rock throughout their 42 years of marriage.
Frances was a devoted wife, mother, and Nana whose family were her pride and joy. She displayed strength and spirit beyond her small stature. Frances was a devout Catholic who took great pride in her Irish heritage, and she delighted in traveling to Ireland in 2016 to visit the ancestral family farm.
Frances was a testament to the power of grace and kindness. She inspired patience and compassion and was loved by all who knew her. Frances cherished every day, finding joy in even the smallest of blessings. Now, as she enjoys the love and peace of eternal life, her family takes comfort in knowing, “Goodbyes are not forever. Goodbyes are not the end. They simply mean I’ll miss you until we meet again.”
Frances is loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.
She is survived by her beloved husband and best friend, Raymond, of Morris; four loving children, Anne (Shant) Kostanian of Toluca Lake, CA, Arthur (Jessica) Bradford of Dubuque, IA, Thomas (Lisa) Bradford of Manhattan Beach, CA, and Catherine (Steven) Leone of Temecula, CA; and eight adoring grandchildren, Isabella Kostanian, Aiden, Jayda and Aubrey Bradford, Elle and Liam Bradford, and Luke and Thomas Leone. She is also survived by her brothers and sisters, Tom (Allison) Maher, Elizabeth Sweeney, Angela (James) Magner, Margaret (Tom) Brown, Kathleen (Joe) Bessen, Michael (Jeanne) Maher, and Brigid (Michael) Braden; one sister-in-law, Karen Maher; and a great many nieces and nephews.
Frances was preceded in death by her parents, and one brother, John Maher.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (www.nationalmssociety.org) would be appreciated.
Funeral services for Frances Bradford will be held Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 126 W. Mazon Avenue, Dwight, IL. Interment will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Dwight.
Visitation will be held Friday, September 29, 2023, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 1201 W. Route 6 (at Deerpath Drive), Morris.
For more information, please call (815) 942-5040 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
