Bradley, Helen 01/12/1933 – 09/26/2026 Grand Rapids, MI, age 93, passed away peacefully into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, September 26, 2026. Helen is survived by her children, Steven (Rebecca) Bradley, Susan (Peter) Burrill, Douglas (Amy) Bradley and Daniel (Judith) Bradley; 15 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; special nephew and niece, John (Kristin) Bradley; brother-in-law Serge Krauss; and many nieces and nephews. Helen was preceded in death by her husband Norman, parents Harold and Anne Haugh and sister Harriet (Serge) Krauss. She graduated from Oberlin College and the University of Michigan. She was a dedicated music educator for 20 years in the Grand Rapids Public Schools. Helen will be remembered as a gifted musician (singer and trombone player), tennis enthusiast, and for her zest for life. She played trombone for several local bands including the Calder City Concert Band for over 30 years, finally retiring from the band at age 91! She loved to share her love of music with others including teaching weekly music classes at her home for her great-grandchildren. In her later years, Helen lived by a personal motto she called her “Daily Three”: 1. Learn something new 2. Move your body and 3. Show gratitude. She dearly loved her husband, Norman, to whom she was married for 59 years. They enjoyed traveling during their retirement years. She will also be lovingly remembered by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren for her amazing love and support in their lives. Helen was a member of the First United Methodist Church for over 60 years. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at First United Methodist Church, 227 E. Fulton, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 with visitation one hour prior to the service. Rev. Kevin Dykstra officiating. Special thanks to the staff of Faith Hospice who were such a blessing to Helen during her final week at home. Memorial contributions may be made in Helen’s name to the Comic Opera Guild and the Harold Haugh Light Opera Vocal Competition in honor of her beloved father. https://comicoperaguild.org/support-us/
4 Responses
My sincerest condolences to the entire Bradley family. I truly enjoyed getting to know Helen in the Calder City Concert Band. She was a wonderful person and was already missed when she retired from the band. My thoughts are prayers are with you all at this time.
With deepest sympathy and love. I will miss her friendship and the many memories we have shared with the Calder City Concert Band! Peace be with you!
A WONDERFUL person. For several years in Calder Band I played tympani right behind her. She always seemed seemed to have comments to make me smile and set off a conversation that made little sense. She was a precious gift for us to know.
We in the Comic Opera Guild are indeed saddened to learn of Helen’s passing. She was a great supporter of the vocal competition named for her father. Our condolences ring out for Helen’s family. They should know that Helen, as well as Harriet, Harold and Anne have done much to nurture singers and musicians through their talents and generous natures.