Joan Carol Bradford

Joan Carol Bradford, age 80, of Moran, Michigan, died at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital, in Petoskey, Michigan, on November 13, 2022, surrounded by her family. She was born in Pontiac, Michigan, on July 18, 1942, to John “Jack” Henry and Reva T. (Litzner) Schimmelpenny.

Joan grew up in Moran and graduated from Rudyard High School. She married Clyde “Bo” T. Bradford on August 20, 1960, in Allenville, Michigan. After starting their family, they moved to Dearborn, Michigan, where Joan attended cosmetology school at Wayne State University and earned her beauty license. In the early 1970’s, the Bradford’s moved back to Moran, and started Bradford House Grocery, eventually running several other businesses in the area. After selling their grocery store in the 1990’s, Joan began working for Community Action’s meals on wheels program serving the residents of Brevort Township. She was also a caregiver for many families over the years. Joan eventually retired after an injury sustained working in the tourism industry,

Joan was a very caring and selfless person, always helping those in need. She loved children (especially her grandchildren), and when local youth had trouble at home, she and her husband would take them in and care for them as their own. Joan also led several children’s groups in the area. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, reading, doing puzzles, baking, and was well known for cake decorating.

Joan was a member of the Mackinac County Fair Board Association and the Zion Lutheran Church.

Joan is survived by her daughter, Jacqueline Bradford-Mulcahy of Moran, Michigan; grandchildren, Christopher Bradford and Morgan Mulcahy; nieces and nephews, Jeff Ellison, John Ellison, Jessica Schimmelpenny, Angie Burnett, Michael Schimmelpenny, Leslie Nunley, Donna Colegrove, Mary Yellen, and John McPherson; sister, Linda Radford of Kincheloe; sisters-in-law, Violet Hancock of Land O’ Lake Florida and Leah Ann Hall of Fairbanks, Alaska; and brothers-in-law, Leslie “Tad” Bradford of Omaha, Nebraska, and Edward (Patricia) Kennedy of Anchorage, Alaska; and nieces and nephews, Jennifer Radford-Ashetzie, Mary Pierce, Clyde Bradford, Satch Bradford and Tom Bradford.

Joan is preceded in death by her husband, Clyde “Bo” T. Bradford; parents, Jack and Reva Schimmelpenny; five children who died at birth, three sons and two daughters; sister, Karen Ellison; brother, John (Sharon) Schimmelpenny; sisters-in-law, Lucrecia Pulmer and Eileen Bradford; brother-in-law, Larry Radford; nephews, Jack Radford and Joe Ellison; niece, Eileen Braford and several Aunts and Uncles

Per Joan’s wishes a private family graveside burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to P.O. Box 57, Moran, Michigan 49760

Galer Funeral Home & Cremation in Pickford, Michigan, is serving the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.galerfuneralhomes.com.