Joana Maria Bradley

Joana Maria Claudio Bradley was born to Joana Swann in Cleveland, Ohio on January 9, 1971. She was the 5th child and “baby sister”. Joana received a firm grounding in faith from her grandparents Jesse and Blonnie Fortes. She confessed her belief in Jesus Christ at an early age, and was baptized at Antioch Baptist Church in Cleveland. At the age of 10, her mother passed away and Joana and her brother Jacintho were lovingly raised by their oldest sister and brother-in law, Kathy and Michael Williams. They moved to Southern California for four years, and then returned to Cleveland.

Joana was a straight-A student and graduated from Shaker Heights High School in 1989. It was there that she met her high school sweetheart and future husband, Henry Preston Bradley, Sr. She received a full academic scholarship to Cleveland State University and attended there for one year.

Joana and Henry married and moved to Las Vegas, Nevada. She was working for the United States Postal Service at the time and was fortunate enough to get a job transfer. To this union, two beautiful children were born; Henry Preston, Jr. and Mia Maria. Joana was passionate about her family, and would do anything for her children. She spent much of her time taking Mia to ballet and horseback riding lessons and Henry to the local multi-cultural center to swim and play basketball. Joana also loved animals and throughout her life housed dogs, cats, fish, turtles, birds, ferrets and even a sugar glider. Joana helped her brother and sisters appreciate animals and truly embrace the joy of children.

While Joana was the “baby of the bunch,” she was wise beyond her years. Her family called her “Nana” as she seemed to take on the role of matriarch. Joana returned the favor to Kathy and helped her raise her son, Tony. She was supportive of her husband Henry and her sister Kathy, as they faced some challenges in life. She never gave up on anyone or anything and taught her family to have compassion and strength through adversity.

Joana attended the College of Southern Nevada and earned her associate degree and her Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer’s certification. Joana worked at Nevada Heart and Vascular as a Senior Echo Cardio Technician. There, she made many of her closest friends. Although illness prevented her from working recently, she remained in touch with co-workers and they were all looking forward to her return to work.

Joana was called home to glory on July 15, 2015 at 7:19pm, surrounded by her loved ones. She leaves to celebrate her amazing life: former husband and father of her children, Henry Preston Bradley, Sr.; son, Henry Preston Jr.; daughter, Mia Maria; siblings, Kathleen Williams (Michael), Carmela Newton-Swann, Karen Swann, and Jacintho Claudio (Pam); step-mother, Annette Swann; special friend, Dana; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins; a host of friends/co-workers at the USPS and Nevada Heart and Vascular; and her Cleveland and Chicago family.

A private memorial service will be held. Cards of condolence and well wishes may be sent to:

Family of Joana Claudio Bradley

146 Almendio Lane

Henderson, NV 89074