Rita "Lela" Bradt

Rita “Lela” Bradt, 89

January 16, 1937 – May 6, 2026

On May 6, 2026, beloved grandmother, Lela passed away peacefully in her sleep. As of her passing, Lela will be reunited in open arms with many of her loved ones.

Lela is predeceased by her late husband, Charles Bradt Sr, her parents Anthony and Antoinette (Corraro) Farina, her sisters, Rose “Dolly” Gentile, Delores Varcadipane, Mary Berger, Carmela Gaudio and brother, Anthony “Junie” Farina.

Most notable Lela is predeceased by her beloved son, Charles Bradt. After being told she would never be able to have children due to her disability, she always considered Chuck to be her miracle, and he truly was her pride and joy until his death in 2020.

Lela is survived by her grandchildren Jesse Bradt, Samantha Burdick and Michael (Danielle) Bradt and great-grandchildren Maya, Luca, Dexter and Harrison Bradt, and countless nephews and nieces.

Lela found great pride in spending time on the phone with her girlfriends reminiscing about the good ol’ days. Lela maintained a close group of friends since she was 11 years old. When they gathered, they still reminisced about the “fast” girls from high school and all of the great loves that had come and gone through the years, a testament to girlhood and friendship.

Lela spent time living with family prior to moving into the Glendale Nursing Home in 2022. During the time she spent living with her beloved grandson Jesse, she enjoyed eating like a queen and being waited on hand and foot. During this time, Lela spent time with her great granddaughter Maya, who she called “my little love” and she afforded her family the opportunity to have genuine insight into the family history and the nuances that are shared having three generations under one roof.

Once she was unable to remain in the home with family, Lela moved into Glendale Nursing Home and continued her streak of being waited on hand and foot. Lela passed her time watching old movies, chatting on the phone with family and friends and complaining about the quality of the food to anyone who would listen. Lela maintained connections with her close friends, including daily phone calls and regular visits until her final days.

Lela’s visitors were sure to get an earful about whomever had wronged her 25 years ago, whatever medical ailment a complete stranger was dealing with and most importantly endless laughter, typically at her own expense. Lela will be forever be grateful for those who spent time visiting her and sneaking her in food from the outside world.

The nursing and direct care staff at Glendale Nursing Home was an incredible extended family to our grandmother, and our family will be forever grateful to the love she felt during her final years.

Graveside Services will be held at Sts. Cyril & Method Cemetery, 611 Duanesburg Road, Rotterdam,  on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 11:00 am. 

A Celebration of Rita's life will be held at a later date.