Thelma H. Bedford

Thelma Harris Bedford passed away peacefully on Monday, April 5, 2010. She was born in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, on March 19, 1916, when Oklahoma was Indian Territory. Marc Bedford, her husband of 58 years, preceded her in death in March, 1992. She is survived by her son Anthony and his wife Nancy Rosenblad Bedford of Austin, and was very proud of her granddaughters Susan Moore of Pittsburgh and Linda Arcuri of Kailua, Hawaii, their husbands Andrew Moore and Brendan Arcuri, and her great-grandsons Eric Moore and Ian Arcuri.

Thelma was a gifted artist and teacher of art, and left a legacy of many beautiful paintings. Throughout her life she was also an inveterate letter (and later email) writer and corresponded regularly with many relatives and friends. After Marc Bedford retired from his long career at Exxon, he and Thelma spent fulfilling years as volunteers at Rosewood Medical Center. For over 7500 hours Thelma was a counselor in the surgical waiting room, comforting families and providing them with information while a loved one underwent surgery.

Until the end of her life Thelma enjoyed Sunday school at Westchase Methodist Church, meetings of her Red Hat club, Rosenblad family gatherings, and Saturday morning coffee gatherings with dear friends who had been fellow volunteers at Rosewood. She was able to continue living in her home with the help and friendship of her caretaker Sarah Ganja Williams, Meals on Wheels, and many helpful neighbors. Her family also wants to express gratitude to Dr. Tomas Garcia for conscientious care that gave her many additional years of quality life. A memorial service will be conducted by Dr. Frank Varro at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Freeway, at 10:00 am Saturday, April 10.