Obituary

Emily C. Bradley was born on November 12, 1918 to Earl and Emily Catherine Lucille Bruce Rensing at home in Woodland, Washington. She had one brother, Joseph Earl Rensing, who is now deceased. Emily’s mother, Emily Catherine Lucille Bruce Rensing died of Influenza in the 1918 epidemic on the day Emily was born. Her father is also deceased.
Emily was a strong and determined woman in all things. She began working at the age of eleven, and, through the love, support, and encouragement of others, finished high school in Toledo, WA and moved to Bellingham to pursue a teaching certificate from what is now Washington State Normal School. This tradition was followed by her daughter Jacqueline, grand daughter Karel, and great-grand daughter Katelyn; all proud, strong women. Emily married James A. Bradley on February 16, 1941, after which he left to serve in WWII. She traveled with him while he was stateside during the summers and came back to teach each year. Emily taught elementary school for five years at Northwood, Ferndale, and in Lynden.
Emily has two children, Jacqueline R. (Erholm) Hedtkamp (Ronald P.), and Douglas Lynn Bradley. She is Grandma to Reuben Erholm, Bradley C. Erholm, Karel Lynn (Erholm) Ganzini (David), Sally Marie (Bradley) Gallegos, Brian Bradley, and Jason Bradley. Many others called her Grandma or G’ma. Great-grandchildren include Katelyn and Torin Bulger, Cody Ganzini, Katie Erholm, Samantha and Elena Gallegos, Emily Gallegos, and others.
Emily was a stay at home mom and always a lady. She used all resources available to her in a frugal and thoughtful manner. She cooked delicious hearty meals and sewed beautiful clothing by repurposing fabrics from others’ discards. She loved quilting as well.
Mom was always involved and supportive of education and group membership. She won the “Golden Acorn” award through PTA and served with them for 15 years.
At Emily’s request there will be no services. Please consider a donation to Whatcom County Hospice. We would like to offer a special thank you to Brooke, Leigh, Jennifer, and Michelle, who treated mom with love and care during her final days through hospice care.