Obituary of Evelyn M. Bradley

Evelyn M. Bradley passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Fallsview Nursing Center in Boonton, New Jersey. Over the course of her remarkable 103 years, she shared unconditional love, infectious laughter, unwavering faith, and countless cherished memories with everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Born and raised in Edgewater, New Jersey, Evelyn was the beloved daughter of the late Rose Ann (Casey) and Martin James Lyons. One of two daughters, she grew up in a close-knit Irish family and attended Dwight Morrow High School in Englewood before entering the workforce to help support her family. In 1942, Evelyn married the love of her life, Francis Bradley. Together they built a beautiful life in Edgewater, where they lovingly raised their family. After Francis's untimely passing in 1975, Evelyn met life's challenges with remarkable strength and determination. She began working as a clerk at Prentice Hall in Englewood Cliffs before moving to Denville, where she continued her career at what is now Valley Bank on Bloomfield Avenue.

Evelyn was hardworking, fiercely independent, and proud of her Irish heritage. She lived a life centered on faith, family, generosity, and service to others. She had a gift for making everyone feel welcome. Her home was always immaculate, beautifully decorated for every holiday and special occasion, and filled with warmth, laughter, and the comforting aroma of something delicious in the kitchen.

After moving to Indian Lake in Denville, she found one of her greatest joys in being near the water. Whether on the lake, in the water, or relaxing at the beach, those were the places where she felt most at peace. A devoted Catholic throughout her life, Evelyn was a faithful member of Holy Rosary Church in Edgewater and later St. Mary's Church in Denville. She was active in St. Mary's Bible Study Group and the Denville Senior Citizens. Her faith remained a guiding force throughout her life, and she continued driving herself to daily Mass until the age of 95—a testament to both her independence and her devotion.

Nothing brought Evelyn more happiness than caring for those she loved. She delighted in hosting family gatherings and making sure no one ever left her home hungry. Her homemade lasagna, deviled eggs, blueberry muffins, and refreshing iced tea became family legends—recipes no one has ever been able to duplicate quite like Grandma's. Her grandchildren will forever treasure memories of elegant tea parties, complete with her beautiful tea sets, where they felt like royalty simply by sitting at her table.

Evelyn also loved photography and was a voracious reader, always eager to learn and appreciate the beauty around her. Above all else, she was the heart of her family—their matriarch, role model, and steady source of love. While her passing leaves an immeasurable void, her family finds comfort knowing that the values she instilled, the traditions she created, and the love she so freely gave will continue to live on through the generations she inspired.

She leaves behind her loving children, Arlene (the late Joseph) McCaig, Dennis (Doreen) Bradley, and Kevin (Lynnette) Bradley; her cherished grandchildren, Denise (Paul) Jacobus, Joseph McCaig, Dennis (Melonie) Bradley, Paul (Tracy) Bradley, Stephen (Monica) Bradley, Martin Bradley, Angela Cronin, Rachel (Tom) Spear, and Eric (Brianna) Bradley; her treasured great-grandchildren, Dylan Jacobus, Carolyn (JT) Thompson, Bridget Jacobus, Annabeth Bradley, Aubree Bradley, Luke Bradley, Sean Paul Bradley, Jason Bradley, Eleena Bradley, Ava Spear, and Callie Spear; her precious great-great-granddaughter, Emilee Thompson and, soon to arrive, great-great-grandson, Shepherd Joseph Thompson; and many dear nieces, nephews, extended family members, and treasured friends. She joins in Heaven her beloved husband, Francis; her parents, Rose and Martin Lyons; and her sister, Dorothy Sticht.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Evelyn's extraordinary life on Thursday, August 6th, from 4 – 8 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, August 7th, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, 15 Myers Avenue, Denville.

The family invites you to leave a condolence, share a favorite memory, or light a virtual candle in celebration of Evelyn's remarkable life. Though she will be deeply missed, her kindness, strength, unwavering faith, and boundless love will remain in the hearts of all who knew her. Her legacy lives on in every life she touched.