Frances Ann (Martin) Bradshaw

Frances A. Bradshaw, of Wilmington, departed this life on April 11, 2018. 

She was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1936, daughter of the late Peter and Isabel Martin, and was the oldest of seven children.

She graduated from Kings County Nursing College in Brooklyn, NY and was an outstanding nurse for 60 years serving in New York and New Castle County, DE; caring for her patients as well as teaching her nursing students at Delaware Technical Community College.  Fran always put others before herself.  She cared deeply for her family, friends, and neighbors, and her happiest moments were time spent with all those she loved.  Fran was a kind and fun-loving person who was often heard exclaiming “We Are Family” while also sharing special moments, listening and providing guidance to everyone.  The matriarch of the family, she prided herself on entertaining family and friends whether there were five or fifty to feed.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 61 years, Thomas A. Bradshaw Sr.; and their children, Elizabeth (Charles) Holt, Peter (Lisa) Bradshaw, Thomas (Lauren) Bradshaw Jr., Francis (Erica) Bradshaw, Mary (Bryan) James; her grandchildren, John (Mary), Frances (Eric), Amanda, Thomas (Maia), Grace, William, Peter (Lexi), Danielle, Katie (Chris), Brandon, Alex, Shane, Shannon, Sarah, Benjamin and Michael; her great-grandchildren, Kollin, Bridget, Sawyer, Cormac, Kai, Rei and Cole; her sisters, Barbara Martin, Isabel (Bob) Cockle, Mary (Ron) Orlando, Helen (Manuel) Reyes, Anna Martin, Margaret (John) Palmeri; her sister-in-law, Barbara McNicholas; and many nieces, nephews and cousins -  All of which brought her such great joy!

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Anna Martin; and dear friend and “sister”, Frances O’Connel (John).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am on Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at St. Matthew’s Church, 901 E. Newport Pike, Wilmington, DE 19804, where family and friends may visit beginning at 10:00am. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations for the benefit of individuals pursuing a nursing profession and need financial assistance via Delaware Technical Community College, Attention: Development Department 400 Stanton Christiana Road, Newark DE 19713. 

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