Sarah Ketchum Bradley
October 11, 1951 ~ April 6, 2017
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Sarah Ketchum Bradley, 65, of Asheville, died Thursday, April 6, 2017.
Born in Wooster, OH and raised in Sarasota, FL, she was a daughter of the late Raymond E. and Elizabeth E. (Wells) Ketchum. She was also preceded in death by her husband Peter H. Bradley, to whom she was married for 42 years; father-in-law, Rodgers A. Bradley; and brother, Mark R. Ketchum.
Sarah met her husband, Peter Bradley, on a swim team when she was nine and he was twelve, and they married in 1971. Their connection was the brightest light in her life, and they were best friends until his death in 2014.
Sarah was a graduate of Sarasota High School, where she was a state championship swimmer and voted "Most Athletic." She attended the University of Florida and worked in the medical profession for fifteen years. She loved working in medicine and was proud to serve patients.
Sarah spent her years as a mother to Lukas Bradley and Lauren Bradley Robichaud putting together incredible Halloween costumes, spaghetti dinners, and family card games. She lived in Ocala, FL and Snellville, GA before moving to Asheville, NC in 2008 to be closer to her grandson, Patrick. She was a fun and loving grandmother, spending time with Patrick drawing, playing basketball, and making movies.
Sarah was a gifted artist, musician, and writer, and she filled life generosity and humor. She was a runner and triathlete, and she advocated for the mentally ill and disabled. She loved movies, animals, hiking, and the ocean. She had an honest approach to life that is rare in today's world, and she will be profoundly missed by her family and friends.
Surviving are her daughter, Lauren Bradley Robichaud; son, Lukas Bradley; son-in- law, Shane Robichaud, and grandson, Patrick; brother, Michael Ketchum; niece, Lindsay Ketchum, and nephew, Kristen Ketchum; mother-in-law, Janet Whitman Bradley; sister-in-law, Kathleen Bradley Lily, Jim Lily, and nephews Jake and Nick Lily; brother-in-law, William Bradley and Julie Bradley; brother-in-law, Michael Bradley; and beloved dogs, Murphy and Molly.
A sunset ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 22 on the southern-most part of the main beach at Siesta Key in Sarasota, FL (attendees will meet in the parking area near benches).
Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue in Asheville is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation or Brother Wolf Animal Rescue.
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You are a bright shining star Sarah and we will miss you.I know how much you missed Peter and in my heart I feel you are with him now. My condolence to the family.
No words…..Thank you for all the laughs over the years.
Cindy Schneider
We’ve known Sarah since she was a small child in Sarasota, FL. She was a wonderful and caring woman. We have known her many fantastic talents and loving heart. We will miss her greatly. Her passing leaves a terrible void where she once held a place in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with her children in this hour of need. All our love.
Barbara and Bob Thompson
It’s been 29 years since Sarah and I lived in the same town, but she’s one of those wonderful friends you never forget. I continue to tell funny stories about Sarah and I even today. Fortunately I saw her through the years and the last time we talked she made it clear that she would be in heaven. So I am filled with a deep satisfaction that she and Pete are there with the Lord full of joy and peace- and I know I’ll see her again. My prayers are with Lauren and Luke and any family member affected. May God’s peace and comfort surround you
Sarah, my dear friend. Loved by me for your big heart and honesty. Always true to yourself which I always admired. You are leaving me with the memory of many good times and of course much laughter. You are at peace now my friend, and I will miss you. Love, Ginny
I remember Sarah as a young girl when she would have long summer visits with at Lake Lure at Bald Mountain Farms and in Sarasota while visiting with the Rolland King or John Schaub families. She always had a vibrant outgoing personality. My sympathies to the family.
Our condolences to the family for such a great loss. Sarah and Peter will be greatly missed.
Sarah;
Hose Em, Sarah, Hose Em! I will never forget swimming at SHS. Happy trails…
C.C.Anony
Clearwater
My condolences to the family. Hearing this news brings back many memories of growing up in South Gate, swimming, and High School. Although many years have passed since I last saw Sarah, she was always a shining light. Sarah was an outstanding athlete before it was ‘cool’ for girls to be athletes.
Our deepest condolences to the family for your loss. I was on the SHS swim team with Sarah, Peter, and Mike and will not forget the fun times in our youthful
years. Sarah would make most all of our SHS reunions and loved being with her high school friends. She would make us all laugh with her stories and tails.
We will all miss our dear friend.
My deepest sympathies to all of you. Sarah was the best of the best. She will be missed by so many .Sarah and I met as 10 year olds on the first day of 5th grade.A bond of friendship began that day and lasted for 55 years. I send you peace, grace ,and laughter my dearest friend.
I was so sad to hear of Sarah’s passing. I have fond memories of playing Tarzan and circus in my backyard. She had a great imagination and always got to be Tarzan! Sarah was a great neighborhood friend. It meant so much to me when she called after my mother’s death. I was very touched by her thoughtfulness and caring.