Brenda Sharon Bradley (known to all as Shay) passed away on April 24, 2025, at the age of 82, in Richmond, Virginia, after losing her short but intense battle with ALS.

Born on April 1, 1943, Shay's life was marked by her intelligence, curiosity, and her wide range of talents. She was known for her generous spirit as well as her strong and opinionated nature. Her love language was based in "acts of service" and she stepped up for all of us.

Shay was born and lived all of her life in Virginia. She graduated from Andrew Lewis High School in Salem, Virginia, before embarking on an extensive educational journey at MCV in Richmond where she earned a BS in Medical Laboratory Services, an MS in Pathology, and a DDS in Dental Surgery. She supervised Medical Technology and Microbiology Labs at MCV and, following a courageous decision to attend Dental School at 36, she practiced dentistry in community health care and later in private practice from 1982 until her retirement in 2015.

Shay was very handy and loved any project that presented itself. Living in an historic home in Ginter Park for 36 years provided her with more than enough opportunities to do so. Her special place, however, was the lake house at Smith Mountain Lake - a place of joy and relaxation, a place to share with family and friends but also, of course, a place full of projects.

Shay loved adventure, which led her to riding her motorcylce, rafting down the Grand Canyon, walking the Camino de Santiago (at the age of 74!) and scuba diving around the U.S.V.I.  On a quieter note, throughout Shay's life, she expressed her passion for the arts through drawing, painting, and music. She learned, as an adult, to play the cello. 

Shay's spiritual journey throughout her adult life was rooted in Eckankar, The Path of Spiritual Freedom. Through Eckankar, her life was enriched and those practices and teachings brought her comfort as she transitioned through her final days.

Shay was a life partner to Paula J. Jean for 43 years, a loving mother to their two daughters, Kaylin Bradley and Naomi Bradley-Jean, mother-in-law to Lauren Bradley and Christian Nulty, and a cherished grandmother to Nico Nulty. She is survived by her brother Bob Bradley and preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Stella Bradley. Of great importance and support for her and for Paula were their dear friends, Kay Christiansen and Janis Morariu. They were there at every turn and shared each hard moment together. Love and care was provided by Cheryl Belcher, a veteran of the ALS wars, as well as Wendy Wadsworth and Debby Getty, who came daily to provide passive physical therapy so that Shay was as comfortable as possible. Shay and Paula were blessed to have such loving friends throughout this journey.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 17th at Westminster Canterbury from 1-4 pm. In lieu of flowers, a tribute gift in Shay’s memory can be made by contributing to research and support of ALS to the Fanny Pack Foundation.

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