Obituary of Marie Bradley

A very dearly beloved, Mother of two, Grandmother of six, and Great Grandmother of seven, Marie Bradley passed away on February 18, 2014. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 22 at 11:00 AM at The Church of the Holy Cross Episcopal Church at 40 Mercer Ave., North Plainfield, N.J. 07060. Marie was born in New York City and raised first in Vineland, N.J., and then in Plainfield, N.J. Marie moved to Green Brook, N.J., in 1947 with her husband Noble "Jack" Bradley, and their two children Gerald and Gloria. Marie was the manager of Shackamaxon Country Club in Scotch Plains, N.J., for many years, and also worked for Green Brook Township as the zoning official for many years. Marie was a talented gardener, artist, calligrapher, and singer. She was very active in many civic organizations and was continually helping the needy. Marie served on the Board of Directors of the American Red Cross Plainfield Chapter for 30 years and even after she retired from the board Marie continued to collect over 200 Thanksgiving turkeys for the disadvantaged each year by speaking at the Lions Clubs in Green Brook, Watchung, N.J. and Warren, N.J. She also consistently collected clothing and furniture for the needy throughout her life. Marie was a recipient of a STAR Award from the Somerset County United Way for her outstanding volunteerism. Marie loved living and gardening at her home, "Paradise Acres," and consistently supported Green Brook Township in many ways. For the town general cleanup days in April, Marie went door to door to local businesses, which helped provide hundreds of donated hot food items for the cleanup volunteers' lunches. Marie helped to raise several thousand dollars for new furniture when the Municipal Building was flooded during a major hurricane. She collected thousands of dollars for the new Memorial Park built in Green Brook in remembrance of those killed on 9/11 and continued to help get flowers and plants donated for this memorial over the years. There is a street named Bradley Court in Green Brook in recognition of Marie and her husband. Marie was very patriotic and belonged to the American Legion Post 119 in Dunellen, N.J. She collected clothes and blankets for the older and disabled Veterans in the Menlo Park Home and Hospital. She spoke at the Green Brook Lions Club, The Green Brook Senior Center, The Green Brook governing body, and at her Church to obtain donated blankets, clothes, and shoes. She also raised money for food, clothes, toys, and shoes for poor families in the Plainfield area. Marie also solicited donations and prizes for the Chris Classic Golf Outing in memory of her grandson Christopher Noble Ingrassia, who was killed at the World Trade Center on 9/11. Marie was an active member of The Church of the Holy Cross in North Plainfield, N.J. her entire adult life. She served on many committees and also has been a member of the Vestry Committee. She donated many hours of her time, including doing calligraphy to update the Church's record books and volunteered on Tuesday afternoons in the thrift shop that the Church uses to raise money. She personally contributed to two Native American Indian Schools, St. Jude's Hospital, and many other worthwhile charities. Marie was predeceased by her parents, Atillio and Elisa Allara; her brother, John; her sisters, Gloria Allara and Jean Nelson, and her grandson, Christopher Noble Ingrassia. She is survived by her son, Gerald Bradley and his wife, Lynne; her daughter Gloria Ingrassia, and her husband, Anthony; and her sister, Elizabeth Church and her husband, Robert. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Mark Bradley, Jennifer Testa and her husband, Vincent; Anthony W. Ingrassia and his wife, Jessica; Elisa M. Ingrassia and Paul B. Ingrassia. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren Autumn Ingrassia, Amelia Testa, Michael Testa, Anthony R. Ingrassia, Mary Leigh Ingrassia, Christopher P. Anaya, and Christopher N. Ingrassia II. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Church of the Holy Cross, 40 Mercer Ave., North Plainfield, N.J. 07060 or the Green Brook PBA Local #398, 109 Greenbrook Road, Green Brook, N.J. 08812.