Obituary of Diane Joy Bradley

Diane Joy Bradley April 29, 1957 - November 2, 2014 Diane Joy Bradley, age 57, of Union, CT, died on Sunday, November 2, 2014, while on vacation in the White Mountains. She died on the way to do what she loved best, hiking and exploring the great outdoors. Diane was born on April 29, 1957, in Hartland, ME. She spent her childhood in Montville, CT, then enrolled at the University of Connecticut. While pursuing a bachelor's degree in Spanish, she spent a year in Mexico—an early indication of her intrepid spirit and her heart for adventure. After spending some time in San Diego, she returned to Connecticut and found a job in social work. She fell in love with the field and spent the rest of her life working with people with psychiatric and substance abuse challenges. Along the way, she earned a master's degree in social work from UConn. Her work was only one of many ways in which Diane helped others. She and her husband, Ted, often invited friends to live with them when they needed somewhere to stay for a while, and also served as hosts to refugees from Kosovo when they resettled in Connecticut. Diane had a great reverence for all creatures and for all of creation. She was particularly fond of cats, and also enjoyed spending time in her gardens. Her friends and family treasure the many plants and flowers Diane passed on to them. Diane was a member of First Congregational Church of Woodstock, where she sang in the choir, served as a deacon, and was a member of the recent pastoral search committee. Her faith and moral convictions led her to speak out about what she believed and advocate on behalf of others. Her joyful spirit, generous heart, bright smile, and infectious passion will be deeply missed. Diane is survived by her husband, Edward Bradley; her parents, James and Dolores Strickland; her siblings and their spouses, Gary and Gail Strickland, Nancy and Carlos Atilano, Margaret and Larry Strohm, and Wendy Strickland and Paul Schuster; her nephews and niece, Carl Atilano, Thomas Atilano, and Bethany Strohm; and many other beloved family members and friends. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 23, 2014, at 3:00 pm, at First Congregational Church, 543 Route 169, Woodstock, CT. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Last Green Valley, P.O. Box 29, Danielson, CT 06239, or www.thelastgreenvalley.org. www.smithandwalkerfh.com