Born to Eternal Life We commend to your charity the soul of our beloved
Read an article by AUX. BISHOP PAUL BRADLEY about Sister Bradley The first born of John and Cecilia Bradley, Roberta was one of seven siblings—Adele, Bishop Paul, Sister Mariella RSM, Francis, Sheila, Michele and Sue. Roberta's early thoughts of vocation were nourished in a loving home. When Roberta spoke to her father about entering the Sisters of Divine Providence, he told her that he had always regarded religious as flowers in God's garden, and that he would want her to be a yellow violet. It is a sturdy flower which is hard to find, but it is beautiful and brings surprise into people's lives. Roberta also recalls the influence of her eighth grade teacher, Sr. Bernadette Young, in encouraging her vocation and also creating in her a desire to become a teacher. Following her years of initial formation, Roberta realized these dreams of her youth. She graduated from La Roche College, received a Masters in Education from Duquesne University and was certified later as a Principal. She ministered as a teacher and a principal in the Pittsburgh Diocese and also in Detroit , at Queen of Peace Parish. Her longest tenure was at St. Mary of the Assumption in Glenshaw. The consistent quality of her ministry was experienced in her love for the children and their families. This love was expressed in daily action and in her constant prayer for those to whom she ministered. Just as Sister Roberta was a gift in ministry, she also gifted her community. In community, Roberta was a doer. She enjoyed crafts, sewing, decorating, and was always present and involved in community functions and celebrations. At Assumption, Bellevue , she provided constant surprises for her local community with great warmth and joy. She served a term on the Provincial Council during the early nineties and was called upon twice to be Director of the Provincial House, an acknowledgement of her administrative skills and her love for the Community. During the past ten years, Roberta has struggled with illness. Her patient endurance in the face of suffering was also a lesson for her in learning not just to give but also to receive, as others now ministered to her. Almost immediately following her Golden Jubilee celebration, Roberta found her health gravely compromised with a rapidly growing brain tumor. After spending the feast of the Holy Family in the infirmary, surrounded by sisters, family and friends, Roberta quietly slipped away into eternity. Sister Roberta's life was a gift and a Christmas miracle everyday for all of us. One of her final requests was to go to the Chapel, to see the decorations and flowers which she had so often helped to arrange, and to pray before the Christmas crib. Now she is gifted with the miracle of eternal union with our Provident God in this season which she loved so much. SMJC
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