Irene Bradshaw mourned by family

DOWNEY - Wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother Irene Amelia Bradshaw passed away peacefully on Nov. 21. She was 97.Born in Eau Claire, Wis., on Aug. 15, 1915, she taught school in a one-room school house in rural Wisconsin. She moved to Downey with her husband, Francis, nearly 70 years ago. Irene is survived by her husband, Francis R. Bradshaw (age 104); grandchildren Jean, Yvonne, Daniel and Gil; and great-grandson Damian, along with many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son, Robert Bradshaw; parents Leila and John Weinstock; and six siblings. She and her husband were Downey business owners for many years, running Downey Body Works until they retired in the '70s. During retirement, they traveled throughout the U.S. in their motor home, visiting many national parks and monuments. They also traveled to several European countries and heard the Pope speak at the Vatican. She was very involved with Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, assisting with the weekly money count. She also belonged to Soroptimist International of Downey, AARP and the Lakewood Poetry Society. Irene was a publish poet, writing mostly about nature, family and her faith. Services will be held Jan. 15 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations to the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Capital Improvement Fund, or a charity of your choice.

********** Published: January 3, 2013 - Volume 11 - Issue 38