Martha Bradshaw

Precious Memories

Martha Sedonia Bradshaw

As beautiful as a rose to see was her life, she lived so gracefully. She made things precious by her touch; her selfless love lives on in each of us. The petals of her life fell one by one, each a gift of her heart till there were none. Yet her radiance blooms once again in fields of glory with no end.

Martha Sedonia Bradshaw was born April 26, 1937, in Olivier, Louisiana to her father, Gerard Olivier and her mother, Leocade Olivier. Martha was the 10th child of five brothers and five sisters. Four brothers and four sisters preceded her in death.

Martha was reared on a farm between Jenerette and New Iberia, Louisiana, where the family lived. Her family grew their own food and raised their livestock. They all worked alongside their parents.

Martha attended elementary school in the same community of Olivier, La. Their education was segregated and limited in a one room schoolhouse. She and her siblings walked or rode bicycles 3 miles to and from school.

Martha was very studious in school, always maintaining a B average in her studies. She attended Jonas Henderson High School and graduated in 1955 in New Iberia. After graduating, Martha moved to Colorado to join her oldest brother, to seek a better life, and more educational opportunities. Martha followed several of her siblings to Denver, Colorado. Martha worked at the historic American Woodmen building and the Credit Bureau of Denver.

She met and later married, Kenneth Burrell in 1959. To that union a daughter Terrie was born.

Martha later divorced Kenneth and met and married the love of her life Dennis Bradshaw. Dennis adopted Terrie and they became a Loving Family. Dennis and Martha were married, 53 years, before he preceded her in death in September of 2022. Her daughter, Terrie preceded her in death in 2007.

Martha continued working at various jobs. She was a Radiology X-ray Technician, Nuclear Technician, all toward her quest to get a college degree. She completed her undergraduate studies and enrolled in the University of Denver in 1974, where she graduated and received her Master’s Degree in Social Work.

Martha was employed by the Jefferson County School District from August of 1976, until May of 1996. Once retired, she and her beloved husband enjoyed extensive travel to many countries, by air and by boat. They very happily reported the fun they shared with the people they met in their travels.Martha and Dennis lived in the Five Star Senior Community for over 15 years, and they enjoyed many meaningful activities with the friends they met.

Martha wholly desired to leave a Legacy of improving the health of the underserved community where she was raised. Her desire was to develop Wellness activities for that area.

She dearly loved family and always tried to help everyone.

Her family wishes to Thank ALL of Martha’s Healthcare Providers and Caregivers for the excellent and Loving care they rendered to her during her journey.

Martha Sedonia Bradshaw departed this life on March 9, 2023, in Denver, Colorado.  She is survived by her brother, Donald G. Olivier; her three grandchildren, Nicolas Bradshaw(  Emily), Hailey Bradshaw, and Erik Bradshaw; as well as other family members in her homeland. She also leaves her beloved and dedicated nieces, nephews, and dear friends to mourn her departure. Martha has now joined her husband and daughter in heaven where they will PRAISE and HONOR our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Forever!