Barbara Brady

Barbara Brady of Freedom Village, Holland, Michigan left this world Thursday, July 1, 2021 to sail into eternity with her late husband. Aged 99, she was born November 29, 1921 to Stanley and Jean (Buchanan) McGill of Detroit, Michigan. Raised in Detroit along with her younger brother the late Bruce McGill, she graduated from Cooley High School in 1939.

On May 26, 1938, Remembrance Day (now Memorial Day), in Detroit, she met a young man, Frank Brady, selling commemorative poppies. He would become the love of her life. They would collect poppies every anniversary thereafter. Following a four-year courtship, they were married August 17, 1942. Their marriage lasted 73 wonderful years until Frank’s death in 2015. Barbara said the greatest achievement in her life was being married and having a successful marriage. They were as much in love after 73 years as when they met.

They raised their family in Livonia, Michigan and Waterford Township, Michigan while Frank ran his hardware stores first in Livonia and later in Waterford Township. Upon Frank’s retirement in 1986 they moved to Lexington, Michigan to be near the water they both loved and pursue Frank’s love of sailing. Still later, they moved to Hudsonville, Michigan and on to Freedom Village.

A talented artist she spent the summer of 1939 at Meinzinger Art School in New York City. While there, she enjoyed attending the New York World's Fair. Her specialties were fashion illustration and sketches of children. Much of her work is displayed in the homes of her family. Although she chose her family over an art career, her artistic talents were evident in all that she did throughout her life. She was an excellent seamstress and taught many to sew. Knitting and quilting also came easily to her with many beautiful creations surviving her in the homes of her family and friends. She was an accomplished bowler and enjoyed playing golf.

As a wife, mother and later grandmother, she enjoyed spending her time with family, often found at sporting events and sharing her love of art through baking and sewing.

She is survived by her children; Michael (Constance) Brady, Patrick (Mary Anne) Brady, Christine (William) Laney, David (Catherine) Brady. Daughter Karen preceded her to heaven in 1955. Combined, her children presented her with 10 grandchildren; Lisa, Peter, Shane, Daniel, Joseph, Brian, Matthew, Eric, Sarah and Sean and nine great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, July 31, 2021 at Dykstra Funeral Home, Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas Ave. in Holland MI at 2:15 pm. In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place and her inurnment alongside Frank at Pilgrim Home Cemetery in Holland, Michigan will take place privately prior to the Celebration of Life. In lieu of flowers donations to Hospice of Holland, 270 Hoover Blvd. Holland, MI 49423 in her name would be appreciated.