Martha Jean Bradshaw
Martha Jean Bradshaw, born June 10, 1959 in Grand Rapids, MI, the fourth daughter of Lynn and Paula Bradshaw, died peacefully on January 25, 2024 surrounded by family.
Martha was the embodiment of kindness and generosity, wielding her considerable baking prowess to share delectable treats like chocolate sundae cake, cinnamon rolls, biscuits, and all manner of pies with those she loved.
Martha was good with numbers, and worked in accounting for most of her career, making forever-friends everywhere she went, from Michigan to Indiana and Missouri. She had a wicked sense of humor and an infectious laugh, as well as bottomless empathy for others.
Her proudest accomplishment was Tessa, the daughter she had with her one-time husband Dave VanVlerah, who has inherited her mother’s sweet spirit. Martha also shone as stepmother to Lauren VanVlerah, and never let a trifle like blood-relation stop her from being a mom to whoever needed it.
In addition to Tessa and Lauren, she leaves behind four brothers – Craig, Sam, Ben, and Jim Bradshaw, and four sisters – Leslie Bradshaw, Melissa Burla, Amy Vazquez, and Marjorie Bradshaw, her beloved Corgi “Dumpling” and a truly astonishing number of nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, her ex-husband Dave VanVlerah, and her sister Ellen Bradshaw. Countless friends will feel the void Martha leaves behind, which she would recommend they fill with gravy.
No formal memorial service is planned. Donations in memory of Martha can be made to the non-profit Prison Performing Arts at the following link: