Memorial Celebration held for Life Trustee Margaret O. Bradbury

The Swain School held a memorial celebration on Dec. 12 for Margaret O. Bradbury, a long-time volunteer and life trustee, who died at age 89 on Nov. 9.

Mrs. Bradbury’s involvement with Swain spanned 50 years with service as a parent association representative, president of the Swain Association, creator of the Grandparents Day program, trustee, president of the Board of Trustees, and honorary life trustee. In 2007 she was honored with the Swain Trustee Community Service Award.

During the celebration, current Swain Association president Kris Falcone announced the creation of the "Margaret Bradbury Volunteer of the Year" Award, which will be given yearly to a volunteer who goes 'above and beyond the call of duty' on behalf of The Swain School.

Head of School Todd Stansbery, and retired Head of School Lynald E. Silsbee, Ph.D. (1981-2006) shared information and memories of Mrs. Bradbury, whose children, son-in-law, granddaughter, and great-grandchildren were in attendance at the celebration.

Mrs. Bradbury was born in England and served as an officer in the British Army during World War II. She met her husband, the late William T. Bradbury, an officer in the U.S. Army,  while stationed in Berlin.

The couple moved to Zionsville, where Mrs. Bradbury, known as Margot, kept two pet sheep.

Twenty five years later, she had the largest flock of sheep in Lehigh County, and Rodale Press commissioned her to write a book about sheep. Along the way, she raised Gordon setters and won several prizes in dog shows including Best in Breed at New York Westminster Kennel Club show.

Mrs. Bradbury was the mother of Swain alumni Margaret Werner and Alan Bradbury; the grandmother of Swain alumni, Dr. Megan Werner and Emily Werner Knudson; and the great-grandmother of three current Swain students.

For information on the memorial fund set up at Swain for Mrs. Bradbury, contact Judy Skinner, Associate Head for Advancement, at  610-433-4542, ext. 118, or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .