Obituary of Barbara J. Bradley

Barbara Joan (Burlone) Bradley, age 84, of Bridgeport, CT passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at Cambridge Health & Rehabilitation Center surrounded by her loving family. Born in East Lyme, CT on April 25, 1940, she was a daughter of the late Joaquim and Elizabeth Correia who were longtime Bridgeport residents. She was the beloved wife of 63 years to Gevon, whom she first met in the 7th grade—which was the beginning of a lifelong love story that could have been written for the movies. The bond they shared was rare and unwavering, a true and lasting love that stood the test of time and was an inspiration to all who witnessed it.

Upon graduation from high school, Joan studied to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. She devoted 25 years of care and compassion to the patients at St. Vincent's Medical Center as a post Intensive Care Unit nurse and later worked at the Jewish Home for the Elderly, and then supported families as a Private Duty Nurse before her retirement. Joan was a naturally nurturing, loving, and fun-spirited person who cared deeply for her family and friends. Known affectionately as the "neighborhood nurse and Mom," she was always ready to lend a helping hand or a comforting word. Joan had a flair for fashion and had a special love for jewelry, pocketbooks, and keeping her nails impeccably done. Joan found joy in life's simple pleasures—working on jigsaw puzzles, swing dancing with Gevon to their favorite songs, chocolate swirl brownie ice cream, swimming against the current in "lazy rivers" on vacations, getting lost in every Danielle Steel novel she could find, playing cards (especially 500 Rummy) and playing dominos, where her favorite saying was "either you got it, or you don't"! She loved baking cakes for any and every occasion, and was always up for a shopping trip. In the 80s, Joan was the first in her family and the neighborhood to own a video camera. She captured every moment of family life, recording memories daily, which has now become a treasured gift of beautiful recollections for generations to come.

Her life revolved around her family. Her true gift in life was the boundless love she poured into her children and grandchildren. She was the heart of her family, creating a home filled with joy, through her sense of humor, practical jokes, and frequent pranks (like swimming underwater like a fish and grabbing your legs unexpectedly), which has led to unforgettable memories. From spontaneous indoor "family" picnics on the living room floor during snowstorms, "100% breakfast" before school each morning, to romantic anniversary dinners in front of the picture window on New Year's Day, Joan brought joy and meaning to each and every day. Her free-spirited nature made life feel like an adventure—unexpected and full of warmth. Joan had an extraordinary love for her grandchildren, and the way she nurtured each one was truly admirable. She celebrated their unique personalities, played with them like she was a kid herself, supported their dreams, and would do anything to make sure they felt safe, seen, supported, and deeply loved.

Joan's legacy lives on in the love she gave so freely, the laughter she shared so often, her unforgettable spirit, and the memories she helped create. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

In addition to her beloved husband Gevon, survivors include her four children, Gevon Bradley (Dieuna), Lorenda Loyd (David), Mark Bradley (Tonya), Shanda Hinton (Vincent), a brother, Bobby Bruce, four sisters, Michele Bonney Gee (Clinton), Valerie Jones Rockhead (Aslley), Cynthia Bonney and Lillie Pleasant, 12 grandchildren, Gevon Bradley (Ashley), Jordan Bradley, Gevonna Lynn Bradley, Gianna Bradley, Briana Johnson, Maurice Johnson, Alexa Bradley, Jarrett Sledge, Skylar Hinton and Seth Hinton, bonus granddaughters, Latavia Johnson-Filius and Taylor Johnson, and three cherished great grandchildren, Gevon Bradley, Aviana Bradley and Greyson Rascoe as well as a many loving nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a number of her siblings.

A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, April 17, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Cornerstone Christian Center, 349 Wheelers Farm Rd., Milford, CT. Interment will follow in King's Highway Cemetery. Arrangements can be sent in care of the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull, CT. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org.

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