Opal Elsie Bradley (née Baxter)

August 23, 1931~ March 21, 2026

Opal Bradley was born to Myrtle and Leo Baxter on August 23, 1931, in Whitecourt, Alberta, and passed away at the age of 94 years on March 21, 2026. She was raised in Whitecourt and attended school there until grade nine. In her twenties, Opal met James Bradley in Whitecourt. At the time, she was working in a restaurant, and he was a grader operator. Their paths crossed, and they were married in February 1959.

The couple moved to the Gwendale Hall area to begin their family. Their first son, Ronald Charles Bradley, was born on December 21, 1959. Seven years later, they welcomed their second son, Brian James Bradley, on December 5, 1966. Opal was a devoted mother who truly loved raising her boys. There was also a beautiful baby boy, Patrick, who was stillborn. He was always in her heart, and she spoke of him often.

In 1967, the family moved to Markerville, Alberta. They first lived in an older home before building a new house on the same lot. The Markerville Post Office was attached to their home, where Opal became the community’s first Postmistress in 1970. She proudly held that role for twenty-one years, retiring in 1991, and became a familiar and trusted presence to many. Opal had a deep love for her community and the simple joys in life. She was a regular at bingo for many years, attending games in halls throughout the surrounding area, where she shared many friendships. She loved baking and enjoyed a great card game, especially crib, her favorite, and played in many tournaments, often with Linda, which she enjoyed immensely. Anavid reader, Opal could finish a book in no time, and she was known for her remarkable memory, easily recalling dates, names, and details from years past. Opal loved to sit and watch a good old classic movie or a musical, and she had a wonderful sense of humor, especially enjoying a good comedy. She will be remembered for her warmth, her sharp memory, her love of family, and the joy she found in life’s simple pleasures.

In 2023, Opal moved to Bethany CollegeSide in Red Deer, Alberta, where she continued to enjoy visits, stories, and played crib, her favorite pastimes. Her niece, Linda Austin, supported her with great care and dedication, helping with her move, her new home, and ensuring her comfort. Opal loved her deeply.

She was predeceased by her parents, her brothers, and her oldest son, Ronnie, who passed away just three months prior on December 23, 2025. Opal is lovingly remembered by her son, Brian James Bradley, her only remaining immediate family member.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Fensala Hall in Markerville, Alberta on Saturday, April 11, 2026 between the hours of 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. All are welcome to drop in, share a story, have a visit, and celebrate a truly beautiful lady. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of: Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., 4415 – 49 Street, Innisfail, Alberta. Phone: 403.227.0006

• Date : 2026-04-07
• Location : Heartland Funeral Services (Innisfail) www.heartlandfuneralservices.com 403.227.0006