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(Norma) JEAN BEDFORD
Jean passed away early in the morning of Sunday, August 13 due to complications from a heart attack two and a half weeks earlier. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Gerry and middle son Dale; by her brother Charlie Douglas; her parents Art and Freda (nee: Bere) Douglas and a host of family and friends who each were an important and treasured part of her 94 years. She is survived by her oldest son Doug and daughter-in-law Lori and step grandchildren Tony (Anna) and Jill Hisco; granddaughter Erin (Coral) and Taylor (Kevin); youngest son James and daughter-in-law Dawn-Lynne and granddaughters Meaghan (David), Janelle and Lindsey; sister-in-law Muriel Bedford and Trudy Bedford; cousins Beth Morrow, Marie Wilson and Grant Douglas; nieces Lori Douglas, Terri Jones, Diane Traub and Susan Yearwood and nephew Michael Bedford; and a number of second generation cousins and friends.
Jean was born and raised in southwest Manitoba. Her childhood was spent in the village of Mather where he father, a First World War veteran, was the village blacksmith and her mother, the youngest daughter of farmer who had homesteaded nearby in 1894. Jean attended ‘Normal School’ and after graduation in 1947 she taught in schools in both rural Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg. She and Gerry married in July 1954 and Jean spent 65 years in the family home on Slater Avenue until a move to River Ridge II in October 2022.
Jean was a skilled seamstress. She made many clothes for herself and others as well as household items. She was an enthusiastic and talented participant in pottery making and folk-art painting. She lavished many hours on her flower garden and indoor plants. She loved to entertain and filled her home with a variety of cherished items. She loved travel and visited a number of countries over the years. She delighted in attending live theatre and concerts. Conversation and socializing were important to her and consistent curiosity and interest in sharing news of family and friends played a vital role in ensuring she remained alert and very active for 94 years. She was extraordinarily generous over the years to family and friends and was fiercely independent, insisting on driving herself and doing her own shopping well into her 93rd year. She was the best of daughters, wives, mothers and grandmothers and will be so remembered by those who loved her.
Jean’s family thanks the staff and residents of River Ridge II who were so welcoming and kind to their mom in the last year and to the staff in the cardiac unit at St. Boniface Hospital who ensured Jean’s last days were as pain-free and gentle as possible. Jean was adamant that she did not wish to have a service. She will be laid to rest by family and friends at a small graveside service as was her wish.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 26, 2023
Condolences & Memories (4 entries)
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Sorry to hear of Mrs. Bedford's passing. We lived across the street from the Bedfords and, as kids, were quite close with Doug and Dale. I remember spending our last night in Winnipeg (our family was moving to Vancouver) at the Bedfords. I was 10 years old. Mr. and Mrs. Bedford were always very gracious and welcoming. I think that was my first "all nighter"; lots of fun! Condolences to Doug and family. - Posted by: CRAIG VAN ALSTYNE (neighbour) on: Aug 28, 2023
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Doug and James -- I am so sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. She was mine (and Doug's) grade one teacher at Lord Kitchener and lived across the street from us on Slater Avenue. She was a lovely lady. Our family kept in touch with the Bedfords over the years and we visited them from time to time after moving to Vancouver in 1967. My children even got to meet my wonderful teacher and our neighbour on one of our visits to Winnipeg! Please accept my sincere condolences. - Posted by: Tyla Van Alstyne Doyle (neighbour/friend) on: Aug 26, 2023
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We offer sincere condolences to Jean’s family. It was a pleasure to have met her when we moved to Slater. We admired her spunk and independence. After she moved from her home of so many years, some of her bird houses were put on curb. I rescued as many as I could and have them set around my yard. They make me smile and remember her. Rest In Peace lovely lady. - Posted by: Gloria and Clifford Free (Neighbor ) on: Aug 26, 2023
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James, Dawn Lynne and family - we are so sorry for your loss. Sending our love and deepest sympathy during this difficult time. - Posted by: JoAnne Janzen (Friends of James and Dawn Lynne) on: Aug 26, 2023
