Sara Jane Bradley, nee McCottery, 87, of Belleville, IL, born Friday, September 28, 1934, in Indianapolis, IN, passed away Saturday, July 23, 2022, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in Saint Louis, MO.
Sara was dedicated to family and work. On her own, she raised her two children and cared for elderly parents, while working full time. She maintained a sense of style throughout her life, which always involved some form of sparkles. She was a champion Wii bowler and an avid C-SPAN viewer. She was sharp, funny, and keenly interested in the wider world. She was a very private person-she may not, in fact, fully approve of this obituary. Her family believes, however, that her passing must be properly noted.
She graduated from Edwardsville High School and attended Millikin University. Sara worked as a secretary for her father’s business, Youngstown Industries, for the president of McKendree College in Lebanon, IL, for the Polaris Team in Long Beach, CA, which developed the first submarine launched ballistic missile, and as a legal secretary for Weihl & Millard, Thompson Coburn, and Greensfelder. She did not care for inactivity. After retirement, she remained active and productive, working part-time with the Children First Foundation which helps children and families affected by divorce.
She was preceded in death by her:
- Parents, Walter and Grace, nee McKnight, McCottery
- Sister, Patsy Kunzelman
- Great-granddaughter, Cora Bradley
Surviving are her:
- Children:
- Mack (Christine) Bradley of St. Louis, MO
- Kelly Spinka of Troy, IL
- Grandchildren:
- Devin (Precious) Bradley of San Francisco, CA
- Jack Kemper of St. Louis, MO
- Max Kemper of Miami, FL
- Grace Bradley of Chicago, IL
- Great-Grandson, Langston Bradley
- Nephew, Jeff (Joanne) Kunzelman
- Niece, Linda (William) Washington
She was deeply loved and will be equally deeply missed.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her name to the Children First Foundation, 1909 Dublin Blvd., Suite B, Belleville, IL 62221.
Funeral: A private, family graveside service will be held on Monday, August 1, at Valhalla Garden of Memory in Belleville, IL.
7 Comments To "Sara Jane Bradley"
#1 Comment By Claudette Wangelin On July 26, 2022 @ 6:43 pm
My deepest sympathy to the entire family. Your mother, grandmother and great grandmother was a wonderful person. I’m so thankful that I met Sara over 10 years ago working together at Children First. It’s been a pleasure working with her and having her as my friend. She was a firecracker 😊. She will be deeply missed ❤️
#2 Comment By Beverly Leonard On July 26, 2022 @ 6:48 pm
I loved her very much and will miss her!!! We went through some difficult times together. I cried on her shoulder and she cried in mine. We had a lot of shopping and lunches together.
#3 Comment By Marianne Shirley Pinkley On July 27, 2022 @ 8:10 am
Dear Mac, Kelly and Family,
I want you to know that my life would have been different if I had not met your mother. She was my best friend and most loved friend for 20 years. She was the mother to me that my mother, because of circumstances, couldn’t be. We were shopping buddies, movie buddies. She loved craft fairs and the Art on the Square and binging Netflex. We enjoyed hot dogs together, long shopping trips and long talks. Even during Covid, we would meet in our cars and enjoy lunch together. She helped me get through the worst time in my life when I lost Howard and she had a deep connection with him and my Julie. She will always be with me in my heart, in our hearts. She will be remembered forever with great love. You have our great love and deepest sympathies over the loss of Sara.
#4 Comment By Julie Chambers On July 28, 2022 @ 12:02 pm
My most heartfelt condolences go out to your family. The void of such a kind person can never be refilled. I will miss Sara very much. She was a special person. I am thankful I was privileged to work with her over the past 5 years.
#5 Comment By Angie Farnworth On July 28, 2022 @ 4:53 pm
Mac, Christine, and family,
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Your mom sounds like an incredible person who impacted your life in uncountable ways. Praying for peace and comfort as you walk this difficult path. You will be in my thoughts. Hugs to you.
#6 Comment By Richard A Oesterle On September 30, 2022 @ 7:34 pm
I graduated from the same high School the same year and dated Sara on several occasions during our high school time together. A first class person at all times.
#7 Comment By Katherine S. Claudson On November 2, 2022 @ 4:16 pm
My husband, Rich, and I visited Sara’s grave today and laid flowers on her beautiful headstone. She loved her parents so very much, and now lies beside them. Sara was one of the best employees I had at Children First; was one of my dearest friends; and was always loyal, honest, and dependable. I know how very much she loved her family and friends. She truly saved my life during and after a personal crisis of anxiety and pain. My dear friend, I shall always miss you. Feel my love and the truth of my words. I send love and supporting energy to your family.