Gail Anderson Bradford

Gail was born the youngest, and only girl, of four children to Arthur and Elizabeth (Lamont) Anderson. She was raised in South St. Paul where she graduated from high school in 1964. In 1967 she married Richard Bibeau and had three children, Craig (Erica) Bibeau, Amy Bibeau, and Susan (Adam) Bauer. Gail returned to school to finish her bachelor’s degree at the College of St. Benedicts in 1981, while raising three children as a single mother and working full time. 

In 1993 she married her husband William (Bill) Bradford, who cared for her lovingly and tirelessly through her battle with Alzheimer’s disease, until the time of death. Gail was preceded in death by her mother and father and sisters-in-law Janine (Norman) Anderson, and Sharon (Edward) Anderson. She is survived by her husband Bill, brothers Alan (Carol), Norman, and Edward Anderson, children and stepchildren Annette (Dale) Ludeman, Carl Bradford, and her grandchildren, Gabriela (Mitch) Quill, Andrew (Cora) Ludeman, Royal Bradford, and Christopher, Carlos, Romeo, Taven and Zayden Bauer.

As a mother, Gail modeled her core values of human equality, love for every being, as well as love and respect for the earth. She provided a loving and open home for her children, routinely welcoming their friends to stay whenever needed. As they grew she continued to cherish them, and was quite proud of their unique paths and careers; Craig, aerospace engineering, Amy, a passionate free-spirited artist, and world traveler, and Susan, a family practice physician providing much needed care to patients in rural communities. Gail also loved her grandchildren, although we know she’d have loved more time with them! Her dogs George and Molly, rescued Airedale terriers, provided comfort and joy to her; she regularly expressed gratitude for their unique friendship, unconditional love that only a dog can provide!

She passed on her love of music to her children, who fondly recall Saturday morning cleaning parties, when Gail would blast the likes of Fleetwood Mac, Journey, and Foreigner throughout the house, while everyone pitched in to clean their rooms, and help with laundry. She also loved attending concerts, having seen many bands over the years, highlights including The Eagles, Elton John, and Fleetwood Mac.

Beyond her love of music, she also loved reading, gardening, and her yearly trips to Mexico with Bill. She was an avid reader until the end, enjoying mysteries and the work of Stephen King. Her mother, Elizabeth Anderson, instilled flower gardening as a passion; she was especially proud of her namesake iris, the Elizabeth Anderson Purple Bearded Iris, and had many flower gardens she tended throughout her life. 

Gail was a light in this world and is greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to know and love her.

Beyond our gratitude to Bill for his love, care and support, Gail’s family also wishes to extend their eternal gratitude to the caregivers at Annandale Care Center, and St. Croix Hospice, for their kind and loving attention to her body and spirit, during Gail’s final weeks.

Services for Gail Bradford will be at Rejoice Lutheran Church, on October 5th, 2024, at 10:30AM with lunch to follow at the church. We welcome all who feel called to join us in celebrating her beautiful life.