Della Mae Bradley Tribute

     On July 26th, 2008 the world became a little less perfect with the passing of Della Mae Bradley.  Della was surrounded by extended, loving family during the time of her passing at Bethesda Hospice and Palliative Care Unit of West Palm Beach, Florida.
     Della was born Della Mae Jones in Ontario, Canada on January 17, 1919.  Della's father, Thomas Jones moved his family to Royal Oak, Michigan when she was five years old. Della then bore five children in the Detroit area after which she moved to Freeland, Michigan to raise her family.  Della retired from Midland Dow Chemical in 1975.
     Della spent over 20 years of her retirement traveling with other "snow birds" between Michigan and Florida.  Besides raising five "practically perfect" children.  Della enjoyed many hobbies including:  dancing; bowling; golf, reading, arts and crafts, and riding behind her grandchild on her dirt bikes (motorcycle).
     Della is survived by her sister Leona Whitham of Berkley, MI, and her children in order of birth:  Patricia Warren of Mesick, MI; Virginia (Ronald) Blanton of Sisbee, TX; Elana (David) Roy of Lantana, FL. Shirley (Robert) Short of Honor, MI and Thomas (Jackie) Bradley of Midland, MI.
     Della's grandchildren in birth order are: Jackie-Warren (Daniel) Demijohn; Kristina Harkins; Deborah (James) Sanford; Brett (Tara) LaBeau; Wendy (Mark) Ormsby, Tanna Short; Matthew (Shawn) Bradley; Adam Bradley; and Jeremy Bradley. Della is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren and family members in Listowel, Ontario.
     Della is preceded in death by her parents Thomas and Elizabeth Jones, brothers James and Earl Jones; sisters-in-laws Verna and Alice; brother-in-law Earl Whitham; son-in-law John (Jack) Warren and special friend, Jack Dickert.
     Della's ashes will be laid to rest at her eldest granddaughter, Jackie-Warren (Daniel) Demijohn's property in Farwell, MI.
     There will be a celebration of Della's life in Freeland, MI in October 2008.  Information about the date and location of the celebration will appear in The Midland Daily and The Saginaw News at a later date.