Merry Bradley
February 06, 2023
Merry Louise (Maes) Bradley, 70, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2023 at home surrounded by family.
Merry was born December 26, 1952 to her parents Raymond and Irene Maes. Merry enjoyed traveling, baking, gardening, and spending time with her family. She spent a lot of time giving back to the community by being a member of The Compassionate Friends in honor of her daughter Terri.
Merry is survived by her loving husband, Vern Bradley; and daughter; Raechel (David) Grapentine.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Terri Leigh Bradley; and her parents, Raymond and Irene Maes.
Family will greet friends from noon to 2:00 p.m. on Monday, February 13, 2023 at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue Des Moines, Iowa. A memorial service will begin at 2:00 p.m. also at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions can be directed to the Compassionate Friends of Central Iowa or the Ronald McDonald House in loving memory of Merry Bradley.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Bob Wiederholt
02/14/2023
To Vern & Bradley family. Im so sad to hear of Merrys passing, and convey my deepest sympathy from Arizona. I worked with Vern at John Deere, and got to know Merry through The Compassionate Friends. She was tremendous person with a kind and caring heart who had a life changing influence on many people in their time of need. She will be missed by all, but her spirit will live on through The Compassionate Friends - May you find peace and comfort in knowing that. My thoughts are with you. BobW
Debra Cioccio
02/13/2023
Merry was such a nice lady.
I worked with her at Meredith. My prayers go out to the family.
Evelyn Launderville
02/13/2023
I met Merry and Vern through The Compassionate Friends several years ago. They traveled with my daughter and me to a conference in Wisconsin.. Merry was a wonderful, caring and generous lady. I will keep her family in my prayers.
Lucy & Steve Suvalsky
02/12/2023
Merry will be remembered as a valued leader and friend. Her volunteering energy benefitted those of us who knew as a contributor for many years to the Central Iowa Chapter of the Compassionate Friends. Our deep condolences to Vern, Raechel and her loving family. Merry's legacy will live in us and so many who got to meet and know her.
Stan Hermie
02/11/2023
Merry was my cousin and friend. We were only three days apart in age and remained close through our lives. She was kind and generous, and made it a point to stay connected. Even as her illness became quite advanced, she was still making an effort to come for a visit. I will greatly miss my friend. Having recently met with her immediate family, I realize she was fortunate to have a caring and loving husband, Vern. In addition, it was quite impressive to witness the support and love of her daughter, Raechel, as well as Raechel's husband, David. Condolences to the entire family.
Lorraine McCallister
02/10/2023
Kathy and Rita,
My condolences to you on the loss of your loving sister. My thoughts and prayers will be with you in the days ahead.
"Miss Mac"
Glenn and Ruth Hobin
02/09/2023
Dear Vern, Rachel & extended family. Our memories of Merry greeting us & encouraging us to attend The Compassionate Friends in 2016 when our eldest daughter passed away are so strong! Her kindness and gentle encouragement will always be remembered.
With deep appreciation for her gentle caring ways-
Glenn & Ruth Hobin
Gail Hackett
02/09/2023
I remember Merry as such a kind hearted and positive person. Such a huge loss for her family. I hope that she and Terri are together again and touring Italy.❤
Cynthia Peugnet
02/09/2023
Merry and I were childhood school friends at Prophetstown Elementary School and Prophetstown High School. We spent many fun times together. One of the funniest memories I have of Merry is when she, Lorelei, and I were on a toboggan going down a hill. I was between the two of them and got knocked off as we flew down the hill. I came up out of the snow looking like a snowman. Snow was even packed between my eyeglasses and my face! All 3 of us had a good laugh despite being frozen!
I was so lucky to see her at our 50th high school reunion a couple of years ago. She was a special person. Merry helped me through some tough times when my family left Prophetsown for Arizona. Her letters throughout the years gave me a special link to my past in Illinois That meant a lot to me.
My heartfelt sympathy to all of you for your loss.
Deborah Pool
02/09/2023
My deepest condolences to you and your family during this time of sadness. Im praying for comfort, healing, and strength in the days to come.
Sara Lynn Dunkerson
02/08/2023
Merry showed such love and kindness to our family through her leadership with The Compassionate Friends. Thankful to have known this strong, brave, thoughtful woman. She will be missed, but her legacy will live on.
Barb Allen
02/08/2023
Vern, Rachel and family. So sorry to hear about Merry. She was such a kind, helpful, caring person. I worked with her in the TK for many years. She was a friend and blessing to many of her co-workers. I had the pleasure of having lunch with her almost every day. I know she will be missed by many. Prayers for healing.