Marilee Russell Bradley passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 18, 2024. She was a long-time resident of Seaford. She was born in Bridgeville to her parents John and Ruth Russell. She was the eldest of five siblings, she graduated from Bridgeville High School in 1940. After graduating, she married the love of her life, Fulton Bradley of Federalsburg. They were apart for close to three years, while her husband served in World War II. During the war, she worked briefly at Dupont while living with her parents.
Marilee and Fulton raised three sons. She was a bookkeeper to her husband’s construction company until his passing in 1981. Throughout her life, she felt it was important to give back to the community, and she was actively involved in numerous civic organizations. She was a past President of the VFW Post 4961 while her husband was commander. Later she became President of District 4 Sussex County VFW Auxiliary. During her term, a volunteer project was started for the Stockley Center, where she joined their auxiliary. She was installed in 1970 as recording secretary. In 1974, she was installed for two years as President of the HMR Auxiliary that represented all three Delaware counties. She was instrumental in the restoration of the cemetery at Stockley.
Marilee was also a volunteer at the Nanticoke Hospital Auxiliary. She worked in the hospitality shop. In 1958, she then joined the auxiliary. From 1974 to 1976, she was the Vice President, and then became President of the auxiliary in 1976. She was also the historian of the auxiliary and was actively involved until it disbanded in 2007.
She was a member of the Delaware State Federation of Women’s Club. She was on the Finance Committee from 2001 through 2004, being Chairman the third year. From 1988 to 1990, she was Home Life Chairman performing the invocation at all functions. She was Parliamentarian for the meetings and two conventions from 2004 to 2006.
Marilee joined the Seaford Acorn Club in 1983. In 1984, she was Vice President and became President in 1986. She was recording secretary from 1992 to 1998. She was Parliamentarian from 2002 to 2008.
In 1983 she joined the National Association of Parliamentarians. She was recording secretary for twelve years and became President in 1998 and remained in that position until 2003. Marilee mentored nine students, all of which became members after taking their examination.
Marilee was a member of the Seaford Republican Women’s Club, where she was Assistant Treasurer. Since she was parliamentarian for the Delaware State Federation Republican Women’s Club, she attended four Republican State Conventions seated next to notables as former U. S. Representative Mike Castle.
In 2014, she received a Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteerism from former Gov. Jack Markell. She was also involved with her church, Woodland Community Church, where she was Communion Steward.
Marilee traveled extensively after her husband’s passing, and loved and enjoyed being with her family, most of all.
She is survived by her two sons, John C. Bradley {Marilyn Burnitz} and Michael N. Bradley {Marie}, and Joan C. Bradley {daughter-in-law}. She is also survived by her grandchildren Richard F. Bradley, Jr., Danielle Bradley {and spouse}, John C. Bradley, Jr. {Jodi}, Lucille Singer, Rachel Bradley, Megan Bradley and AnnMarie Bradley. She is survived by great-grandchildren, Olivia and Gavin Bradley and Kristin Singer. Also, she is survived by numerous nephews and nieces on the Russell and Bradley side.
Marilee was preceded in death by her husband, Fulton Bradley and her eldest son, Richard Bradley and grandson, Mark Bradley, and daughter in law, Danna Bradley. Also preceded by her three brothers…Vaughn Russell, James Russell and John Russell, Jr., and a sister who lived briefly…Fay Russell.
Funeral Services took place on Wednesday, Aug. 28 at Cranston Funeral Home in Seaford. Interment took place at Woodland Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations would be greatly appreciated to Woodland Community Church, 5123 Woodland Church Road, Seaford, DE.
To leave a condolence visit www.cranstonfuneralhome.com.