It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved sister Bernadette Bedard on July 5, 2025 in Goderich. Born with Down Syndrome on September 16, 1969 and diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in recent years, Bern touched the lives of many with her infectious laugh and playful sense of humour.
Bern was a character. She was strong willed and frankly expressed what and who she loved and what she did not. She enjoyed time with her family and engaging in activities within the community including swimming, singing and bowling. Bern loved to go shopping for anything, to go for a tea, swing rides at the beach, dancing, music and colouring.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mary Lamb, Sue Atfield, Sally Little, Wendy Clark, Sheng Cortez, Caleb Walker, Dan Davidson, Natasha Atwell, Connie Tasker and the many dedicated supporters at Community Living. We are also deeply grateful to Dr. S. Spacek, the organizers of the Friendship Group at Trinity Christian Reformed Church, and the countless others who offered a lifetime of care, companionship and support. Bern’s housemates – Jeff Longmire, Nick Wise, Neil Henry and Sharon Kreyger – and Bern’s lifelong friend Kevin Degraaf, held a special place in her life and were a meaningful part of her journey over the years.
Bern was predeceased by her mother Agnes (2016), father Isidore (2009) and brother Michael (1967). Bern is survived by her brother Ray, sisters Anna (Andrew) Phillips and Brigid (David) Bedard-Hinz. She loved being an aunt to Jack and Quinn with whom she had a special relationship. Bern added so much to her parents and siblings’ lives, teaching us empathy, compassion and showing us how to laugh, slow down and enjoy life’s many moments.
A Celebration of Bern’s Life will take place on Tuesday July 15th at the Goderich Lions Park Pavilion from 5-7pm. In Bern’s honour, please consider making a donation to or volunteering with Community Living – Central Huron.
Shared by Maria McIntyre
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Maria McIntyre
I would like to express my deepest condolences to Bern’s family and friends. Bern had and will always have a special place in my heart. It was an honour to be a part of her life and I’m thankful for the times we were able to spend together. Bern loved to take pictures especially in front of Christmas trees and flowers, and for those who don’t know, giving you bunny ears in a photo was one of her favourite things to do. If you were able to sneak one in on her it was like winning the lottery just to hear her laugh. Bern you have touched so many lives, and left a legacy of love and laughter for us all, and for that I’m so very grateful ♥️
Love Always Sweet Lady♥️
“Aria”
Pat Hansma (de Graaf)
Our deepest condolences on the passing of your dear sister! Our brother shared many fun moments with Bernadette! He told me is happy for Bernadette…” she is all better now and with Jesus!” 💕🙏💐
Christa Lehnen
Sorry to hear of your loss. Bern was a character and livened up a gathering, thinking of her makes me smile. My condolences to you and your family, Ray.
Dave Almasi
On behalf of Kendra and Matt, we want to wish the entire family our deepest condolences on Bern’s passing. I was lucky enough to spend time with her in Goderich or when she visited us in London or Toronto,. She was always a joy! Issy and Agnes will be giving her big hugs.
Liz Herman
Dear Bedard Family: I am thinking of you at this sad time! Your Mom and Dad and Bern were a pleasure to work with. It is an honour to say I introduced Connie to your Family. She and Bern spent alot of time together, good times they were. We would often have a birthday lunch for Bern together, spaghetti was Bern’s choice!! I loved how Bern spent time with George doing photography together! She loved her camera and the pictures. Coloring was big in Bern’s life I remember as well! Take care, Bern is with your Mom and Dad now. I am sorry I cannot attend Bern’s Celebration of Life as we are on holidays then . Sincerely: Liz Herman
Connie Tasker
To all of Bernie’s family my family would like to offer our condolences in Bern’s passing. She was certainly one of a kind and was such a pleasure to work with and have live with us for a few months. Bern loved laughing, singing, swinging, dancing and being part of her family whom she loved and talked about all the time, Ray-Ray, Anna and Andrew Phillips(as she always called him)and Bridgey and Dave, Baby Quinn and Baby Jack! She had many names for me Carol, Cathy and she would call me Connie too. She loved the computer and picking out pictures for me to download so she could colour them. If I said anything to her that she didn’t like she would go and whisper in Kevin’s ear and not tell me and then laugh. She was very strong willed but did have a very loving heart and her birthdays were so special because at her parties she was very gracious reading the cards first and then always saying thank you and giving a hug. I didn’t see as much of Bern after she settled in to the group homes but I was driving by and she was swinging one day so I stopped and sat and talked to her but she didn’t react as if she knew me at all which broke my heart because it wasn’t Bern anymore. Soar with the angels my dear sweet friend now that you are free from all your burdens……Hugs and Love
Connie, Kevin and Nathan
Sean Sweeney
Mary Jane and I are so very sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved Bernadette. Please accept our most sincere condolences…