Mary Annajean Bradley

Mary Annajean “Jean” Bradley of Overland Park, Kansas passed away quietly in the evening of January 11, 2023. Jean was 101 years old at her passing, but for those who knew her, she looked and acted much younger due to her zest for life and positive outlook. She was a giggler, smiling and laughing at every turn and situation. It was infectious. As an unexpected widowed mother with one four year-old child, her son Mike is likely the only person to have ever seen Jean’s sterner side, as Mike liked to test boundaries growing up while Jean tirelessly worked to build and support a home filled with love, faith in the Lord, and opportunity.

Jean was born in Edina, Missouri on March 31st, 1921, and raised on small farms in the NE Missouri region with her four sisters and one brother. As the eldest child, Jean was in large part responsible for tending to her younger siblings while her father, Joe, and mother, Annie, tended to farm fields, animals, and chores. They all grew up in a time where today's basic modern conveniences are taken for granted, namely indoor plumbing, electricity, heating and cooling. Jean continued to be fascinated by the advancements of these conveniences and other emerging technologies. She would often shake her head, and with a smile or giggle say, "isn’t that something”. She particularly enjoyed Face Timing with her family in her later years.

Jean ventured to Kansas City at 18 years of age to make her own way. She found love and married her husband Ernie moving to Topeka, Kansas in 1958. At the time of her husband’s unexpected passing in 1963, she moved to Overland Park, Kansas to be closer to her sister Doris, who provided love, support and welcomed stability and guidance. Jean purchased a home near her sister in the Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, where she was active in many organizations and activities. Jean was passionate about her Catholic faith which has been passed on by example to her grandchildren.

Jean worked for Western Auto for 30 years in Kansas City. While not working, Jean was a great sports fan. Through the good and not so good years (she would not say any of her teams had bad years), she cheered on the Chiefs while having watched quite possibly every Royals game ever broadcast on television. She would loyally attend every game, meet, and match possible of her son, nieces, nephew, and grandchildren's sports, school, and arts activities.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Gibson Bradley; parents, Annie & Joe Early; her brother, Bill Early; her sisters, Mary Catherine Slaughter, Gerry Boucher, and Doris Meador.

She is survived by her son, Mike Bradley (Karen Bradley) of The Woodlands, TX, and grandchildren, Tyler Bradley of Wichita, KS, and Paige Bradley of The Woodlands, TX (currently residing in Marburg, Germany); and sister, Betty Donahue of Carrollton, TX.

Jean will forever be missed and remembered for her ability to brighten your day with a giggle and a heartwarming smile.

Memorial contributions may be given in Jean's memory to Home-Delivered Meals, and contributions can be mailed to Home-Delivered Meals, 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Suite 1300, Olathe, Kansas 66061.

Jean's visitation will begin at 9:30 am, followed by her Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am on Thursday, January 26th at Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 7023 W. 71st Street, Overland Park, KS, followed by a luncheon at the Church. A committal service for family will be held on Friday, January 27 in Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery, 395 Biddle Blvd., Fort Leavenworth, KS.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcgilleyhoge.com for the Bradley family.