Barbara V. Bradley

Barbara Virginia (Flammia) Bradley, formerly of East Boston, passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family at home on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at age 86.

Barbara was born on July 9, 1939, of the late Antonio Flammia and Frances V. (Pierce) Flammia and brother to Anthony R. Flammia.

Barbara was a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend who lived her life for others with selfless determination that enriched the lives of all those around her. She radiated love and light; she was joy personified. She faced life's challenges with unwavering grace and dignity, teaching those around her how to love and be loved through her example of resilience and compassion. She was a source of inspiration and a tender touch, backed by the strength and tenacity forged in her tight-knit Italian community.

Barbara had a deep and enduring love of the water. She found her greatest peace at Boston Light, where she was drawn to the steady, comforting glow of the lighthouse. Walking Marginal Way in Ogunquit brought her joy and tranquility, where the ocean met the rugged coast. These places were more than destinations, they were where her spirit felt most at home, surrounded by the beauty and power of the sea.

A creative soul in heart, Barbara expressed herself through art, knitting, puzzling, reading, music, and dancing. Her style was timeless, effortlessly elegant, yet full of personality and flair. Whether she was piecing together a jigsaw puzzle, painting, or knitting something by hand, she infused each activity with patience, imagination, and thoughtful care. Her creativity and sense of style reflected the same joy and beauty she brought to every person and part of her life.

Throughout her life, Barbara approached every endeavor with energy and an empathetic heart. She found her greatest calling co-owning Peas-in-a-Pod Nursery School in Saugus with her daughter, Erin. There, she became a beloved grandmother figure to generations of children, nurturing young minds with the same unconditional love, patience, and warmth she provided to her own family. The school was an extension of her heart, a place where she could share her gift of making everyone feel cherished and seen.

In her own words, Barbara's great accomplishment was her family. She lived for them, bringing light and love into their lives and balancing her soft touch with strength of will. She was a formidable force of nature who showed her children and grandchildren what it meant to persevere with grace and to love without conditions.

Barbara will be deeply missed, but her joyful enduring spirit and the lessons she taught will continue to bless the hearts and minds of those she loved. May she rest in peace.

Barbara is survived by her husband Jim Bradley of 65 years and her children: Lisa Hines of Saugus, Manassah Bradley and his husband Eduardo of Cranston, RI, James "Jay" Bradley and his wife Christine of Melrose, and Erin Bradley of Saugus. Known affectionately as "THE Nana," she leaves behind her beloved grandchildren Melissa Del Vecchio, Christopher Del Vecchio, Alexander Del Vecchio, Nicole Benetello, James Bradley, Emma Bradley, Benjamin Marshall, Makenzie Hines, and Brooke Cavallo and her husband Lee; and her cherished great-grandchildren Sophia and Cameron Cavallo, and Hayden Benetello. Barbara survives by nieces and nephews, Elizabeth Flammia Rosato, Candace Doucette, Gary and Thomas Hankard, Melissa Bradley McSheffrey, Lynne Bradley and posthumously William Hankard. She is also survived by the late Brother-in-Law Manassah E. Bradley, and Sister-in-Laws Muriel and William Hankard. Last but not least Henry and Harley her beloved pets.

Family and friends are invited to gather in honor of Barbara's life during Visiting Hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Friday, October 17 from 4-8pm, and for her Funeral Mass at Most Holy Redeemer Church, 65 London St., East Boston on Saturday, Oct. 18 at 10am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Follow Your Art, 647 Main St., Melrose, MA 02176: https://www.fyamelrose.org/donate/