MENDOTA - Elaine S. Bradley, 95, formerly of Mendota, passed away March 20, 2020 as she lived, gently enclosed by family in love and prayer, at Lyngblomsten Care Center, St. Paul, Minn.

Graveside services will be held at noon on Friday, March 27 at Restland Cemetery, Mendota with Rev. Dick Hanson officiating. Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota is handling arrangements.

Elaine was born May 13, 1924 in Roselle to Herman Bernhard and Caroline (Hoepner) Schmidt. She married Joseph Ellis Bradley on Aug. 21, 1948 in Harvard. He preceded her in death in 2000.

Survivors include four daughters, Susan Bradley (Dale) Howard, Nancy Bradley (Peter) Albrecht, Beth Anne Bradley and Kaye Bradley Williams; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; six nephews; and one niece.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her stepmother, Clara Ohl Schmidt; one brother, Eugene “Bud” Robert Schmidt; and one son, Joseph Scott Bradley.

Elaine was a dedicated wife and mother. She graduated from Valparaiso University with a Bachelor of Arts in sociology and worked as a 6th grade teacher. She was a Mendota children’s librarian and was director of Mendota Area Senior Services from 1979-1985. She was awarded Woman of the Week and Year from Mendota Business and Professional Women’s Club. She was involved in the formation of the local chapter Compassionate Friends. In her retirement, she traveled for her business, Jo’ El’s Skycrest Miniatures. She will be remembered for her Christian faith, gentle kindness, genuine love, strength and gratitude.

Memorials may be directed to the Lyngblomsten Care Center or St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Washington, Ill.