…Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and Marshall’s retiree; 90
TEWKSBURY – At the age of 90 years young, Ruth Bradley passed away peacefully with her children by her side on June 3, 2020. She married her love, Dennis “Denny” Bradley in May of 1949 who preceded her death in 1995. Twenty-five years later their souls are together again.
Ruth was born in Medford, March 4, 1930, one of four children of the late Thomas and Ruth McCarthy. She grew up in Tewksbury and graduated from TMHS. She raised her family of four in town while working as a store associate at Marshall’s for almost 53 years. She retired in 2014 and was recognized for her service as the longest tenured employee at TJX Companies. She took pride in her work, ran a tight ship behind her service desk—diligently adhering to the store’s return policy.
When Ruthie wasn't with her family, she was a familiar face around town. You would find her working the elections, volunteering at the Tewksbury Senior Center or walking to Livingston Street Park. She was also a member of Saint Williams Church and the Red Hat Society. Ruth was known for her independent, outgoing and spunky personality. This spitfire of a lady was out and about, living her life and driving her blue Camry just 3 days before she went to the hospital. In fact, she was so independent we had a hard time keeping her home during this pandemic—which is ultimately not what took her, sadly she passed during recovery from a surgical procedure.
She leaves four children, Jan Whelan of Andover, Tom Bradley and his wife Jane (Baggs) of Tewksbury, twin sons, Dennis Bradley Jr. and his wife Terry (Field) of Salisbury and Larry Bradley and his wife Tammie (Burrill) of Tewksbury. Ten fantastic grandchildren who all thought they were her favorite: Tommy and Alison Bradley, Jeff Bradley, Laurie and Chris Gorecki, Mark and Shannon Bradley, Jen and Danny Thompson, Patti and Matt L’Heureux, Kristen and David Godin, Karen and Aaron Hakenson, Chris and Erin Bradley, and Matt Bradley and Nichole Allan. She leaves a legacy of 28 great grandchildren: Alayna, Alex, Alexa, Bradley, Catie, Colin, Conor, Declan, Hunter, Jenna, Jenna, Johnnie, Julia, Kelsie, Kyle, Lindsay, Maddie, Mark Jr., Norah, Rachel, Robbie, Taylor, Thomas, Tim, Timmy, Tucker, Victoria and Zack.
She also leaves her brothers, Thomas McCarthy of Philadelphia, PA, Herb and Dot McCarthy of Methuen as well as many special nieces and nephews from the Ashwood, Bradley and McCarthy families, including her nephew, Michael Ashwood of Seabrook, NH who she had a very special bond with.
In addition to being greeted with love from her Denny, she was welcomed with a smile and open arms from her predeceased son-in-law, Jack Whelan and her loving sister, Nancy Ashwood.
A private funeral service will be held on June 8, 2020 at Tewksbury Funeral Home followed by a burial at Tewksbury Cemetery at 11:30a.m. In lieu of flowers, feel free to donate in Ruth’s memory to the Tewksbury Community Pantry, 999 Whipple Road, Tewksbury, MA 01876. The Tewksbury Funeral Home is honored to serve the Bradley family. see: tewksburyfuneralhome.com