We celebrate the beautiful and adventurous life of Dr. Margaret Ann Bradford, who passed away on October 30, 2026, at the age of 86 at UnityPoint Allen Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa. A lifelong learner, explorer, loyal friend, and free spirit, Margaret left an unforgettable impact on everyone who had the honor of knowing her. She was a renowned Caribbean archaeologist, masterful concert pianist, creative artist and designer, entrepreneur, loving wife, mother and grandmother.

Born on November 6, 1939, in Decatur, Illinois, Margaret was a naturally curious explorer. She attended Northwestern University studying electrical engineering but did not receive a degree. Over many years she pursued her bachelor’s degree at the University of Northern Iowa in liberal arts. She then received her master’s degree in anthropology and her doctorate in archaeology at the University of Iowa.

Margaret met Robert “Bob” Bradford in college, fell in love and eloped to New Orleans. Career opportunities led them to live in New York, then Chicago, and finally to Waterloo, where life kept them busy raising a family, building a home and starting businesses.

Margaret spent much of her life traveling with Bob through North and South America, Asia, Africa, Europe and the Caribbean collecting stories and memories along the way. She was known for her vivid stories and observations of local cultures and natural wonders. She had an uncanny ability to make others feel seen, heard, and valued.

Her many passions included: cross country skiing, everything outdoors, boating and fishing, kayaking, animals, cycling, knitting, gardening, piano, music groups, symphony, theater, watercolor, arts, reading, cooking, Saturday Night Live, movies, time with kids and grandkids, parties and dinners with dear friends.

Both Bob and Margaret were extremely generous with their own financial success by funding educational endowments at UNI, giving to community charities and funding and promoting the arts, music and business. Through these contributions and perpetual funds, her giving and support lives on today and will continue to touch many lives.

Margaret is survived by: her two children: Chuck Bradford and wife Abby, and their two children Spencer and Sandra; and Liz Hanly and husband Tom; her brother Tom Cassity and wife Leslie and their two children Ryan Cassity and wife Lori, and Justin Cassity and wife Abby, her brother Joe Cassity and wife Linda, and their four children Chris Cassity and wife Anne, Jon Cassity and wife Jacqueline, Summer Foster and husband Jarod, and Kevin and wife Kaylee Torno. She was proceeded in death by her husband Robert Bradford, parents C.M. Cassity and Eleanor Cassity, and a large, diverse group of friends who considered her family. Margaret’s kindness, humor, and openness drew people from all walks of life into her circle.

A celebration of life will be held on November 15, 2026, at the Hartman Reserve Nature Center, 657 Reserve Drive, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, followed by refreshments, a sunset tribute and music, just as Margaret would have wanted. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Hartman Reserve Nature Center. Margaret’s legacy is not just in the places she traveled to, but also in the people she inspired to see the world through kinder eyes.