Stella A. Bradley, age 97, passed away July 9, 2023, at Cottonwood Care Home. Even though her stay there was short, she was treated with love and respect. Stella expressed the continual kindness she was given by the caregivers.
Stella was born October 26, 1925, to Nicholas and Filomina Gaglia in Miles City, MT. She graduated from Sacred Heart High School. Summers included annual solo train trips to Michigan and Chicago to visit relatives. After High School she worked at the Milwaukee Railroad and Montgomery Wards.
She married Victor Melvin Bradley, August 1, 1947, in Sacramento, California. They had three children, Bob, Vikki, and Mark.
Vic passed away in 1976 and Stella worked hard to support her family. After working a full day at Holy Rosary Hospital, she processed Dr. Warren Randall’s medical billing. Twice a week she cleaned Western Industries and Roundup Powder. She worked at Holy Rosary Hospital for 61 years. Her first retirement at age 75 lasted a short while. She returned to work in the Same Day Surgery department and retired at 89 years of age. This was only because she didn’t want to learn another computer program. She was recognized for her genuine efforts to make a difference in the lives of the patients and their families when she was named Miles City Chamber of Commerce 2014 Individual of the year. Her next labor of love was caring for her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Stella loved to cook and bake. During Christmas holidays, her porch was full of candies and cookies to be served or make a quick plate to share with someone. Any Italian dinner wasn’t complete without one or two roasts, spaghetti, cavatelli or ravioli, and sides. Each Easter she baked numerous loaves of her mother’s sweet bread. Her perfect Pizzelles are remembered by friends and family.
She is survived by her son Mark (Donna), daughter Vikki, daughter in law Mitzi and sister Mary. Her grandchildren Jess (Laura), Mel (Lee), Lindsey (Tyler), Brad, Raechel (Troy), Noah and Charleigh (Mitch). Great grandchildren Lane, Logan, Greysen, Emmet, Brooklyn, Stella, and Holden were the light of her life. Her numerous nieces and nephews each have a special place in her heart, each one her favorite.
We want to give special thanks to her loving caregivers and frequent visitors, Haley Roberts, Trish Holmes, Donna Dukart and special son in law, Dennis Petrik. You brought sunshine and laughter to heal her soul.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Vic, son Bob and siblings Julie (Gus), Ann (Jim), Tony (Rita), Mollie (George), brother-in-law John and niece and nephews Georgene, Jamie, and Jim.
Family will receive friends on Thursday, July 20, 2023 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City followed by a Rosary at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 21, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Rite of Committal will follow in the Calvary Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial may be made to the Sacred Heart Church or the charity of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday July 20, 2023
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rosary & Vigil
6:00 PM
Thursday July 20, 2023
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 AM
Friday July 21, 2023
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 North Montana
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rite of Committal
Following the Funeral Mass
Friday July 21, 2023
Calvary Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday July 20, 2023
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rosary & Vigil
6:00 PM
Thursday July 20, 2023
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 AM
Friday July 21, 2023
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 North Montana
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rite of Committal
Following the Funeral Mass
Friday July 21, 2023
Calvary Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Kim Smarsh says
To all of Stella’s family: she was such a delight to be around. I loved seeing her at Saturday night Mass and all events for Sacred Heart Parish. My prayers and sympathy are with you all.
Michelle Simpson says
Stella was such a beautiful lady inside and out always smile always say hello and always. How are you doing? She never changed always gracious what a treasure to have known. Too Stella’s family I hold you close and thought in prayer.
Deb Jerrel says
Deepest condolences to all Stella’s family.💔💔
Lisa Kalfell says
Vicki,
What a wonderful lady she was.
Our sympathy for you and your family.
Joanne Richardson says
To Stella’s Family,
My sincere sympathy goes out to each of you. Such wonderful memories of years working together and traveling to meetings, LAMPS, Sacred Heart Parish events. BONCO, etc. with Stella. May she rest in eternal peace now and may time heal your loss.
MARTHA J CRANDALL says
My sympathy
Jean Hickey says
What a ray of sunshine she was!! Condolences to all.
Jason, Nyoka, Libby, Paige Twitchell says
Sending family our sympathy and prayers to Mark and family
Cindy and Bob Flotkoetter says
I have known, Stella from childhood and her family, Vicki and Mark my sympathy and prayers in the time of the loss of a wonderful mother, Grandmother and friend. Gods speed Sella.
Diane M Welbes says
I wish I had words to lighten your agony, but sometimes words are just not enough. Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love you.
Cindy Erickson says
To Stella’s Family – I LOVED LOVED LOVED working with Stella! What a beautiful lady, always with a smile and kind word. I had the great opportunity to see her in March and was happy to once again see her smile. Hold the memories close and know you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Michelle Williamson says
To all of Stella’s family my heart breaks for you all. Stella was an amazing woman I was blessed to have known her. Prayers and hugs to you all.
Maria Durkin Graham & Family says
My dear Vicki and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you at the loss of your dear Mom! My dear Stella was my very treasured friend for so many years! My love to all her wonderful family, she will be missed dearly!
Sheila Rickett says
Vicki and family my heart goes out to you. Stella was a beautiful lady. It is really hard to lose a mother. Remember all the good things and knowing she is pain free. Anything you need let me know.
Jim & Cathy Bastian says
So sorry Vicki and family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Treba Hollowell says
Vikki and Mark,
I am so sorry to hear about Stella passing. What an incredible woman. She always made me feel so welcome and cared for. She sure made a positive impact on this world.
Marvin & Lynne Brush says
So sorry for your loss.
Beth Ann Wiedeman says
Stella’s family, sending prayers for u.
Marcy Parks says
Vikki, Mark, Donna, and all your families, I am so sorry! Vik, your mom was such a wonderful lady! She will definitely be missed! You are in my thoughts and prayers. My heart goes out to all of you!
Danna Jablinske says
Vikki & Mark, Your mom was such a wonderful lady. She worked with both my parents at HRH for years. Oh my gosh, some of the stories they shared about jumping out of the big laundry bins and scaring each other. Of course, the nuns didn’t see the humor in this. Mom always spoke so highly of Stella. I know the two of them along with their other lifelong friends are enjoying coffee and a plate full of sweets while reminiscing. You definitely have a beautiful ++ guardian angel ++ watching over you and your families. I hope you find peace and comfort through all the memories.
The Jablinske family
Carol & JR Bean says
So sad to see this. She was such a sweet lady. Brianna was just telling me a few weeks ago that she remembers going to her house with Charleigh and Stella giving them hot dogs for “snacks”. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Kimber Cooper says
Thoughts and prayers to the Bradley family.
Mary Ann stoltz says
Sorry, to hear of your mom passing! God will you help all , through this rough time! Rest in God’s arm!
Monica Lee Augustyn says
Mark and Vikki…..words can’t express my deepest sympathy and condolences to to you and your families. Stella was such a beautiful and loving soul. I have known your Mum since childhood and loved 🥰 her dearly.
Maureen Larson says
To all of Stella’s family –
So very sorry for your loss. She was a remarkable lady and I consider it an honor to have know her. My heart and prayers go out to all of you during this difficult time.
Muriel Selk says
So sorry Mark. What a delightful lady!
Kevin and Sheila Krausz says
Stella was such a great lady. So funny and kind. Sorry for your loss.
Tom and Kathy Wankel says
So sorry to hear this! Stella was definitely one of a kind. Our thoughts and prayers are with Stella’s family.
Sandi Kohones says
To all of Stella’s family, you have my deepest sympathy form the loss of such a beautiful person! You are all in my thoughts and prayers !
Katie and Dan Benoit says
I’m so sorry for all of Stella’s family. I have great memories of working with her and playing bunco. She always had a smile and so much love to spread. Her strong faith was always an inspiration. She will also be remembered for her wonderful cooking.
She was a very special lady. May she rest in peace. My deepest sympathy to her family.
Gwen Wickham says
Mark, Donna, Vikki, so sorry to hear about Stella! She was a wonderful, wonderful lady. Had many of laughs with her. She will be missed. Prayers for her family and friends.
John & Annette Gorton says
Dear Bradley’s, John and I are holding you up in our prayers during this time of loss. May the Good Lord give you peace in knowing that Stella is with Him and that you will be reunited one day.
Shelley Killen says
Vikki, Mark, Donna and family you are all in my thoughts and prayers at this time. There really are no words to describe how truly wonderful Stella was. I have so many great memories of her and your family.
TRACEE L RAYMOND-Waples says
Vikki and Mark,
I’m so very sorry for the loss of your mom. I do know how hard this is and if there is anything I can do to help please let me know. Your mom was an amazing lady and you both should be so proud of her! She will be dearly missed by everyone who knew her. Hugs and prayers to you both.
Lynn Praetorius says
What a beautiful person. Her light will be missed. My deepest condolences to her entire family.
Carrie Shaughnessy says
Sending our love to the whole family. She marked us with many good memories while living in Miles. Her kindness, love for her family, great conversations, her baking/cooking and her ox tail stew?? Vikki you were blessed with an amazing mother. Big hugs to all.
The Whole Shaughnessy Family
Rebecca Lynam says
Stella was a remarkable woman and she always made having a conversation easy. She will be missed! Thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Wes Wes Malenovsky says
SORRY TOO HEAR OF YOUR MOTHERS PASSING PIP GOD BLESS MAGIC
Mary Catherine (Leo) Spear says
To all Gaglia/Bradley families from all Leo/Spear/Clark families, we send our love and a lifetime of happy shared memories of wonderful Stella.
Joe and Cathi Peila says
What a lady! She leaves behind a wonderful legacy. The loss is always hard no matter how or when it comes; but memories will endure forever.
Pam Bovee says
Vikki and Mark,
So sorry for your loss. She lived a great life.
Trish Holmes says
Mark and Family,Thank you for the Blessing of caring for your Mom and Grandma,she was a sunshine for sure many laughs we had.God Bless you all Trish Holmes
Mike & Judy Toennis says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your families.
John Kimball says
Vikki and Mark
So sorry to hear about Stella passing.
She was a gem.
Richard Kimball says
My condolences to the family. She was always such a joy to visit with. Always so gracious and kind. When I was down visiting from Alaska, I would trade her smoked salmon for her grease peppers. She will be missed and remembered .
Judy Gunderson says
Dear Vicki and family, my heartfelt sympathy. You were blessed with being part of her family. Sending prayers. Judy Gunderson
Sandy McFarland Hays says
Vikki, Sending prayers and condolences to you and family. Stella was one special lady.
Kim Stanton says
Dear families, Miles City has lost another one of the “greats.” Stella was a force of nature and truly lived life to the fullest! She set many examples for her family and all of us to live by. Eternal rest grant unto her, oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.
You are all held especially close in our hearts and prayers today and in the coming days.
With deepest sympathy and condolences,
Kim Stanton
Melody Haynes says
I knew Stella for many years. Both my parents worked at Holy Rosary Hospital, for many years. Stella always had a smile & a very kind heart. I’m sincerely sorry for your loss. Sending prayers of comfort to you all!
Mary Luhr says
I worked with Stella for many decades at the hospital. She was such an amazing woman with a smile ready for everyone and a great work ethic. She will be missed. Sympathy to her family and friends.
Claypool family says
To all of Stella’s family, so sorry for your loss.
Sending our thoughts and prayers to you all, Claypool family
Jim Nelstead says
Thoughts and prayers out to Vicki and family!
Barb and Jim
Archie & Bonnie LaRoque says
To all of Stella’s Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. What a great lady!
Anita Scheeler says
I am so sorry for your loss. She was an amazing friend and human being! I have the most wonderful memories of her throughout the years and I’m going to miss her. I know she is at peace now and smiling and watching over you all. Prayers to all of you .
Anita Scheeler
Kent Fandrich says
Mark,Donna,Vicki
I am so sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful person who left incredible memories with everyone she touched. Although your loss hurts now remember the incredible things she’s done. She put up with all our shenanigans and continued to treat us like family. Thank you for letting me be part of your family.
Eileen Entzel says
Vicky and family
Stella was a special person. You are in my thoughts and prayers
Marlys Taylor says
Vikki, Mark & Mitzi & families of Stella, We are so sorry for your loss. Stella was a wonderful pillar of the community & very special lady. Her warm smile & caring personality was a blessing to all who met her, whether in passing or in person. You’re in our prayers, Dallas & Marlys Taylor 🙏
Jaci Phillips says
Wow what a wonderful long life this beautiful lady had! Stella was such a joy to see when we were at HRH. So thankful for the time I got to work with her! What a work ethic she had. She was one of a kind! Thinking of you Vikki and your family.