Margaret Mary (Bradley) Smith's Obituary
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved mom, Margaret Mary (Bradley) Smith, of Clay, NY on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, with her loving and enormous family surrounding her. She was born in Gouverneur, NY, daughter of the late Robert and Mary (Murphy) Bradley. She grew up in Oswegatchie, NY and graduated from Clifton-Fine High School. There she excelled in her academics, was Class President, a cheerleader, played basketball and ran track faster than most of the boys! She was also famous in her hometown for wrangling the greased pig at the annual county fair.
The world was graced by our mom for 85 glorious, adventurous, and meaningful years. She was known for her humor, immense love, care and support of her entire family and friends. Mom was adored and loved by everyone who met her. She adored her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and attended many (because there were many), sporting events, plays, concerts, dance recitals, graduations, weddings, birthday parties and more. Mom was always there for us.
Mom had a HUGE generous heart and did not leave a store without something she thought one of us would enjoy.
Mom was known for her elaborate Christmas cookies in which she made over 50 trays annually for family, friends, co-workers, and anyone she thought would enjoy one. Everyone waited in anticipation for them. She passed her love of baking onto her children and grandchildren who continue this tradition today.
Mom’s heart was so big, she never forgot a holiday, birthday, or event in anyone’s life and made sure they got a card adorned with stickers that she shopped for to fit the personality of the receiver. In her beautiful handwriting, she would write over 50 cards for holidays and birthdays, these will be forever missed.
Mom was a huge lover and collector of little rubber duckies as well as Snoopy. Snoopy got her through many weeks of radiation, with her wearing a different Snoopy shirt every day of treatment. She also loved flowers, especially Black-Eyed Susans, Daisies, Pansies, and Tulips.
Mom was a LADY. She would never leave the house without her outfit ironed, her hair done, and her infamous lipstick on. She was always beautiful all the while managing 8 children, cooking many delicious meals, washing countless dishes, and keeping an immaculate home.
Mom was the strongest woman we knew as she endured many challenges throughout her life; she overcame all of them with grace and dignity. This virtue was instilled in all her children and continues with her grandchildren.
Mom loved to travel. This included cross-country trips with her Aunt Emmy. Mom also visited Maine, Florida and most recently the Outer Banks with her family. While at Disney, she was able to fulfill her lifelong dream of meeting Cinderella. “Dreams Do Come True” We will treasure these memories of her forever. Mom will be deeply missed.
Along with her parents, Mom was predeceased by her children, Theresa Covert, Timothy Smith, and Michele Smith; granddaughter, Rachel Covert; siblings, Elizabeth Park, and John Bradley.
Mom is survived by her loving children, Christine (William) Bunn, Brian Smith, Brenda (David) Bader, Susan (Martin) Canavan, Vincent (Sharyl) Smith, Bridget (David) Cooley, and Todd Covert.
Grams adored grandchildren, Elizabeth (Clinton), Brennan, Eric, Colleen, Jacob, Mark, Stephanie (Roger), Mathew (Lisa), Greg (Jen), Kimberly (John), Erin (Jacek), Philip, Bradley (Christiana), Joel (Jacqueline), Stephen, Sean, Hunter, Troy, Noah, Reeghan, Kimberlee. GG’s precious great-grandchildren, Brian, Lucas, Lilly, Alyssa, Lyric, Leila, Lily, Jacob, Anthony, Dillon, Mei, Sofia, Gianna, Brooklyn, Rylan, and River. Great GG’s cherished Great-Great Grandchild, Evelyn. And loving Sister-In-Law, Janet Ploof.
We would be remised if we did not include her dearest friends and partners in crime, Doris and Bob McDonald, Nancy Abbey, and Jeanette Bradshaw; and last but not least, Mom’s beloved kitty, Daisy.
A funeral Mass in celebration of Margaret’s life will be held on Monday, May 6, 2024, at 10:00 A.M. in Holy Family Church, 127 Chapel Dr, Syracuse, NY. She will be laid to rest in Greenlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, 2932 Warners Rd, Warners, NY. Calling hours will take place on Sunday, May 5, 2024, from 1:00 – 4:00 P.M. at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (Corner of Buckley Rd.) N. Syracuse, NY 13212.
In memory of Margaret, you’re encouraged to wear your favorite shade of blue.
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