Alison Bradley Obituary

Alison Woods Bradley

Alison Woods Bradley, 94, passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 9, 2025, with family by her side.

Born on July 7, 1931, in Fall River, Massachusetts, to Chester and Lillian (Woods) Taylor, Alison graduated from Middleboro High School and later earned a degree as a medical assistant from Colorado Women's College. She applied her skills in various doctors' offices, hospitals and clinics with care and professionalism.

On June 20, 1953, Alison married Thomas D. Bradley. Together they shared 60 wonderful years until Tom's passing in July 2013. The couple lived in New Jersey for over 40 years, calling Long Branch, Fair Haven, and Titusville home before retiring to New Bern, North Carolina, in 1993. For the past two years, Alison resided at Primrose Assisted Living in Findlay.

Alison was very social, witty and fiercely independent. She made friends easily wherever she went. She loved to read and was an avid player of bridge, mahjong, gin rummy and especially Rummikub, where she was nearly unbeatable. A gracious hostess, she delighted in entertaining and always had the perfect cocktail napkin on hand. Fashionable and stylish, Alison had a signature love of turtlenecks and accessorizing with flair. She adored her role as "Gigi" to her five great-granddaughters.

Alison is survived by her daughter, Laurie (Jackson) Betscher of Findlay; grandchildren, Brandon (Paige) Betscher of Arlington, Jordan Betscher of New York City, and Meghan (Tyler) Sullivan of Findlay; and her five great-granddaughters, Taylor, Audrey, and Riley Betscher, and Winter and Violet Sullivan.

Alison was preceded in death by her parents; stepmother, Gladys Taylor; husband, Tom; and son, Steven T. Bradley.

Alison and Tom created a lifetime of memories with their family at their cottage in Lakeville, Massachusetts, and immensely enjoyed time spent with their grandchildren there. During their retirement years, they enjoyed traveling with friends. Alison will now make one final journey back to North Carolina to rest beside her husband and best friend, Tom.

A graveside service will be at 3 p.m. Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at the outdoor chapel of Christ Episcopal Church in New Bern, North Carolina.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.coldrencrates.com. COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME, Findlay, assisted family with arrangements.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Primrose for their kind and compassionate care of Alison and to Heartland Hospice for their support during Alison's final days.