Barbara Marie Bradley

On Friday, September 26, 2025, our beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Barbara Marie (Kester) Bradley, passed away peacefully at Rock Lake Hospital in Crystal City, Manitoba, after a brief illness. She was 85 years old.

Born on February 22, 1940, in Crystal City, Barbara was the first child of William (Bill) and Alice (Sharpe) Kester. She spent most of her childhood on the family farm near Pilot Mound, except for a few years when the family briefly relocated to Vancouver during WWII. She attended Floral School, then finished her schooling and graduated from Pilot Mound School, after which Barbara pursued her passion for helping others by training in Lab and X-Ray technology in Winnipeg. She worked in various locations including Winnipeg, Portage la Prairie and Souris.

In Portage la Prairie, she met Gordon Bradley at a young people’s group they both attended. They married on October 20, 1962, and together, they built a life on the Bradley family farm north of Portage la Prairie. It was there that they built their home and raised their three children, Sharon, Neil, and Heather, instilling in them a deep appreciation for farm life, hard work, and family.

After her children were older, Barbara returned to the workforce as a Home Care Attendant, a role that brought her great joy. For over a decade, she dedicated herself to helping clients with their needs, always with a warm smile and a compassionate heart.

Barbara found immense happiness in the simple pleasures of life. She was an avid gardener, finding peace among her flowers and vegetables. Her hands were rarely still, as she loved to knit and sew, creating beautiful pieces for her family. She also learned to crochet and tat! A truly social and kind soul, she was a longtime and active member of Trinity United Church and the UCW group, as well as the Dale Community Club. She loved playing games, watching movies and TV and reading. Above all, she treasured her time spent and connections made with family and friends.

After living with Parkinson's for some time, Barbara's life changed again in 2020 when Gordon's health declined, making it difficult for him to provide the support she needed. She moved to the Rock Lake Personal Care Home in Pilot Mound, where she spent her final years. There, she made new friendships and reconnected with old ones. She loved her visits with family and friends and especially enjoyed the games, music, and activities organized by the recreation department.

Barbara was predeceased by her father, Bill (2003); mother, Alice (1996); and husband, Gordon (2021). She is survived by her brothers, Raymond (Barbara) and Murray (Jacquie); her children, Sharon Moffatt (Denis), Neil (Anny), and Heather (Curtis) Deamel; six grandchildren, Logan (Amanda), Jenna (Tyler), and Austin Moffatt, Abigail and Jacob Deamel, and Julia Bradley; and seven great-grandchildren, Kaiden Dominey, Maya, Lincoln, and Rhett Ricard, and Emmett, Hudson, and Lucas Moffatt. She will also be remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, neighbors, and friends.

Barbara's warm spirit and gentle heart will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering dedication to her family and community.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 1:30 pm at Trinity United Church led by Rev. Julie Baker. A private family interment will take place at Prospect cemetery. The service will be livestreamed and may be viewed by registering at the link below.

Donations in memory of Barbara may be made to Trinity United Church or Prospect Cemetery.

A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com 204-857-4021