Mary Charlotte Bradley

Mary Charlotte Bradley of Falls Church, VA, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2021. She was born on October 22, 1940 to the late Mary L. and Leon L. Dodson, Sr. She is predeceased by her loving husband of 54 years, James Thomas Bradley, and son-in-law, Philip D. Rinaldi. Mary is survived by her children; Richard W. Smith (Sheila), Joseph B. Smith (Laurie), Deborah J. Rinaldi, and Maribeth B. Dwyer (Robert), along with 5 grandchildren; Rick (Marisa), Phil, Sara (Jorge), Gina and Delilah, and 3 great-grandchildren; Nick, Noah and Max. Mary was also survived by her siblings; Leon L. Dodson, Jr., Elizabeth L. Tucker, and Leon L. Travis, and her brother and sister-in-law; Robert Coleman and Genevieve Bradley. She will be dearly missed by many in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Born in Washington, DC and raised in Arlington, VA, Mary and Tommy then spent over 60 years living in their Pimmit Hills home. She made that Burfoot Street house a home and filled it with love. Mary spent a 25 year career working for Fairfax County Public Schools. She worked mainly as a bus aide for children with disabilities and had a short stint in the cafeteria at Westgate Elementary (keeping an eye on Maribeth and her friends.) In both roles, Mary was known for her dedication and hard work, the friendships she shared with coworkers, and her love of children. She made significant positive impacts in the lives of so many students and their families. Mary had a large extended family and she loved spending time with all of them. Trips spent with the entire Cape May Crew were especially meaningful to her and we were blessed to have one last Cape May trip with her a few weeks ago. Mary looked forward to any chance to see her siblings and cousins and loved to antique, shop, tour lighthouses and eat crabs. She would work tirelessly to make every holiday and birthday special. She was particularly known for her sleepless Christmas Eves and Easter at Mary’s house was a not-to-be-missed event filled with fun, food and love. Mary was a wonderful Mom, some would argue the best Mother ever, and they’d be right. She was always loving and supportive, there whenever and wherever we needed her, and she was just fun to be around. She was not only our Mom, she was a best friend to each of us. And she was an even better Grandma. We will treasure every minute of every memory we have of her. A Visitation with family is scheduled for September 15, 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm at Murphy’s Funeral Home, Falls Church, VA. A Memorial Service will take place on September 16, 11am at Sleepy Hollow United Methodist Church, Falls Church, VA. Burial will immediately follow at Columbia Gardens Cemetery, Arlington, VA. COVID protocols are mandatory at each location.