Colette Alice Marie Bedard

Colette Alice Marie Bedard, in her 85th year, passed into her next adventure on the beautiful morning of February 9th, 2016 in Nanaimo, British Columbia. At her side were her two daughters, best friends and confidants, Cindy Cripps-Prawak and Jacque Thompson. Colette leaves behind her son-in-law Walt, beloved siblings Rolande, Suzanne, Charles- Emile, Gilberte, Jeanne and many nieces, nephews and friends in all parts of this world. She was predeceased by her beloved sister Therese and her brother Jean-Louis.

Born in Charlesbourg, Quebec into a storied family, she worked as a nurse and medical translator for many years in Quebec and Ontario. Thirty years ago, British Columbia became her chosen home as she was a kindred spirit with the land and creatures that make this province the beautiful place that it is.

A feisty, funny, fiercely independent yet loving woman, she was also a sensitive spirit with a brilliant mind. A lifelong learner, Colette was a voracious reader and she excelled in so many areas of interest to her, from growing prize winning Dahlias, to gardening, sewing or playing classical piano. A learned philosopher, and spiritualist, she was in awe of the grandeur of the universe and looked forward to what lay ahead for her spirit as she moved on from, as she was fond of saying, ‘this flesh body’.

Her last months were difficult, but the journey was eased by the loving, expert teams of 911 Nanaimo, and the ER staff at the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. Her family physician Dr. Margot Walker was a source of kindness and medical expertise and in Colette’s final days, the staff and volunteers at the NRGH Palliative Care Unit were a source of strength and incredible tenderness as they nursed her and our breaking hearts. A special note of appreciation is due to Judy, Robert, Kim and the rest of the team at Buttertubs who made her last few years in her Marsh-side suite the most peaceful of her many years there.

At the end, we knew that Colette’s work here was done. Colette, you have now moved on to another dimension and you have left a lasting impression on our minds, our hearts and our souls. As you remember your time with Colette we hope that in her memory you will do an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness.

Peace to all.