Meriel Maureen Bradford Obituary (1936 - 2014)

Meriel M. Bradford Eaton Rapids Meriel (Marshall) Bradford passed away May 20, 2014 at the age of 77, after a long illness. She was born in Detroit, Michigan on October 25, 1936 to Freeland and Merelyn (Conarton) Marshall. Meri grew up in Huntington Woods and graduated from Berkley High School. She received her bachelor's and master's degrees from Michigan State University, was a preschool teacher at Pennway Church of God, and taught elementary and middle school in Eaton Rapids for more than 20 years. She is survived by her devoted husband, David Hayes of Mulliken; loving daughter, Shaunna (Mikel Wojtkowiak) Bradford of Traverse City, Michigan; loving daughter, Shannon Bradford of Portage, Michigan; grandson Erik (Susanna) Wojtkowiak of Caledonia; grandson Justin Wojtkowiak of Chicago, Illinois; sister-in-law Martha Marshall of Lansing; great-grandchildren Maya and James Carrow; as well as many nieces, nephews and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her brother, William Marshall of Lansing. She will be greatly missed by her family, including her two dogs, Snickers and Holly, and by many loving friends. Meri enjoyed music and gardening, and lived her life with a great love for and devotion to her family. Before becoming ill, she was studying to become a Sancta Sophia minister and work to help people make a peaceful transition while dying. A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 31, 2014 at 11 a.m. at the Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids the family will receive friends at 10 a.m. and a luncheon will be held immediately following the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to Eaton Community Palliative Care. For online condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHome.com. Memorials: Eaton Community Palliative Care 2675 S. Cochran Rd. Charlotte, MI 48813