Obituary of Marilyn E. Bradley

Marilyn Bradley gained her wings peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on May 11, 2026, leaving behind a legacy rooted in faith, family, service, and community. Some people leave behind accomplishments. Others leave behind stories, traditions, laughter, and a presence that quietly shaped the lives around them. Marilyn Bradley gave us all of those things and more.

Born on September 14, 1945, to Josiah Welch and Henrietta Welch, Marilyn was raised in Lackawanna, New York, in Albright Court community alongside her siblings. Fred, Jeanettea, Carolyn, Julius, James, and Vernita. Those early years were filled with strong family ties, neighborhood friendships, resilience, and memories that Marilyn carried with her throughout her life. She graduated from Lackawanna High School in 1964, already displaying the determination and warm spirit that would define her journey.

On April 30, 1965, Marilyn married the love of her life, Gary Bradley. Their union blessed them with three children. Above all else, Marilyn treasured her family. Together they built a home and a life in Troy, New York, grounded in love, partnership, faith, and family.  Through the years, their home became a gathering place filled with laughter, encouragement, and care for others. Above all else, Marilyn treasured her family.

At just 19 years old, Marilyn began working for Bell Atlantic, now known as Verizon, where she built a career marked by dedication, professionalism, and commitment. She remained with the company for decades before retiring in 2005. Retirement did not slow Marilyn down. Instead, it opened another meaningful chapter of service and advocacy. She dedicated countless hours to civic engagement and community work throughout the Capital Region. Marilyn proudly served as a member of the Albany Troy Lions Club and worked closely with Citizen Action of New York on social justice initiatives and community issues. She also served as a founding member of the Troy Drug-Free Community Coalition, where she passionately supported efforts to strengthen and protect youth and families.

Marilyn believed deeply in staying active, connected, and involved. She loved sports and especially enjoyed bowling, proudly spending nearly 30 years as a member of the Topperettes Women’s Bowling League. Bowling was more than competition for Marilyn — it was friendship, travel, joy, and community. Whether attending tournaments or spending time with teammates, she brought her signature humor and energy everywhere she went.

Her faith was the foundation of her life. Marilyn loved the LORD. She knew without a doubt that Jesus was her savior. She was a devoted and active member of 5th Avenue AME Zion Church, where she faithfully served on the usher board before becoming a consecrated deaconess. Her service to the church reflected the way she lived every day — with compassion, generosity, grace, and unwavering commitment to helping others.

Marilyn never hesitated to volunteer, donate, mentor, encourage, or show up for community events. Supporting young people brought her joy, and many benefited from her generosity, wisdom, and steady encouragement over the years. She believed community mattered, and she spent her life proving it through action.

Those who knew Marilyn will remember her as faith-filled, compassionate, funny, determined, feisty and deeply loving. She had a way of making people feel welcomed and cared for. Her laughter could fill a room, her honesty could keep you grounded, and her kindness could make difficult days easier. She carried herself with strength and dignity while never losing her sense of humor.

As a devoted mother, she leaves to cherish her memory: Regina Danielle Bradley of Albany, NY, Stephen Maurice Bradley and his wife Stephanie Bradley, Bowie, MD, and Kristina Yvette Bradley of Queens, NY. As a proud and loving grandmother she leaves to cherish her memory: Charles Bettis of Troy, NY, Shaquana Bradley of Augusta GA, Stephen Bradley Jr. of Atlanta, GA, Aliya Murray of Atlanta, GA, Kaelan Murray of Queens NY, Wykeem Murray of New Jersey, Kiara Maher of Troy, NY, Madison Bradley of Bowie, MD, Olivia Bradley , also as a cherished great-grandmother she leaves to cherish her memory, Donovan, Corbin, and Autumn. As a devoted sibling she leaves James Welch of Buffalo, NY, and Vernita McCormick of Edgewater Park, NJ. As a cherished niece she leaves Janelle Edwards of Buffalo, NY. As a devoted aunt she leaves: Austin Smith of Brooklyn, NY, Vonda Ford of Albany, NY, Felicia Welch and her husband Bradley Bethel of California, Nicole Welch of California, as well as great nieces, nephews and cousins

 Marilyn was preceded by parents, Josiah and Henrietta Welch and her siblings: Fred Welch, Buffalo, NY, Jeanettea Welch, Brooklyn, NY, Carolyn Welch, Buffalo, NY, and Julius Welch, Buffalo, NY

Though her earthly journey has ended, Marilyn’s impact continues in the lives she touched, the family she nurtured, the church she served, the friends she cared for and the community she helped strengthen. Her story is one of faith in action, love without condition, and service without recognition. Marilyn Bradley’s life was a beautiful example of what it means to love deeply, serve faithfully, and give generously. Her memory will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Relatives and friends are invited to the Fifth Avenue A.M.E. Zion Church, 189 Fifth Ave, Troy, NY 12180 on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 for Visitation from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. and to the Home Going Service there which will begin at 1:00 p.m.

Burial will follow in Elmwood Hill Cemetery, Troy.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted by the family to the John J. Sanvidge Funeral Home, Inc., 565 Fourth Avenue, Troy, NY 12182.

Please feel free to offer your condolences or share a memory which will be added to Marilyn’s Tribute Wall on this page.