Clara Marie Bedard (1953 – 2023) passed away peacefully on February 15, 2023 at Kingsway Lodge. She was predeceased by her parents, Claire and Willemina Bedard and her older brothers, Hank and Gerard. She is survived by her son, Michael (Tammi) and her two grandchildren, Emerson and Rowan; her sister, Betty Bedard Bidwell, brother in-law Stephen, and their children Jessica (Derek), Alisha, and Richard; Hank’s children and grandchildren; Robert and Evelyn (Sydney and William), Michael and Laura (Harrison), Tom and Jodi (Cassidy and Tatum), Nicole (Tess and Tadhg). Also remembered by many Donnelly and Bedard cousins.
Clara began her career as a respiratory technician and later became a Registered Nurse. She worked in the Labour and Delivery Rooms in Prince Rupert, Nanaimo and Red Deer before returning to Ontario, with her husband and son, Michael, to reconnect with her family. In Ontario she worked at the Stratford General Hospital in the Labour and Delivery Room for the remainder of her nursing career, 35 years in total. She was also a First Aid and CPR instructor, lactation instructor, and was a Bereavement Counsellor for parents who had lost their children during pregnancy, delivery or within a few months after birth. She took the Acute Care of at-Risk Newborns course to enhance her skills working with new mothers. Clara delivered hundreds of babies from the West Coast to Ontario.
Clara was generous with and giving of her talents and time. She was the director of Big Sisters in Stratford, did mission work in the Dominican Republic, and fund-raised for many organizations. Clara made hundreds of beautiful stained-glass pieces, many of which were masterpieces, and knitted dozens of sweaters for all of her family and their children and her friends and their children. She sewed, baked and the list goes on. No matter what Clara chose to do, she excelled.
Clara had many lifelong friends most of whom were nurses, and all having crazy senses of humour. She was ‘one in a million’ said one longtime friend. Quotes from other friends include: “She truly was one of the most selfless, empathetic people I have ever known”; “Clara’s name is synonymous with the word “love” – she cared about everyone and everything”; “She was passionate and committed to making the birth of someone’s child the best moment of their lives”; “Clara had a sense of humour that endeared her to everyone that came in contact with her”. Clara was the life of the party. In fact, the party did not begin until she arrived, late as usual, but when she did arrive, the party began. She loved euchre, played other games, enjoyed entertaining people, and just loved her friends and family deeply.
She has given us all so much joy and laughter and made the world a better place. We will all truly and deeply miss her beautiful smile, laughter, and unique sayings.
We will be always grateful for the loving care given to her by the staff at Kingsway Lodge and by Briar Higgs and his staff, who traveled from Goderich to St. Mary’s to support Clara.
Clara’s family would especially like to acknowledge and thank Joan Robinson and Cheryl Yost for their love, compassion and care of Clara.
A Celebration of Clara’s life will be held on Saturday April 29, 2023 at the Goderich Royal Canadian Legion from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm, lower level with time of sharing beginning at 2:30 pm. Donations to the Alzheimer’s Association would be appreciated.
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).
Wayne Parsons
So sorry to hear of the passing of my patient, colleague and friend. We recently did some home renos and just the day before yesterday I was trying to decide where I would re-hang the beautiful piece of stained glass that Clara made for me. The next morning I was dismayed to read her obituary. When I saw Clara in the office, no matter what the problem, she always left me with a smile on my face. So many people will miss Clara for a long time to come. My sincere condolences to all her family and friends.
bugs bowers
i sure am sadden in the loss of clara a fine lady and a good pal RIP bugs
Kathy Ayers
From the staff at Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer Research, Parkwood Institute, St. Joseph’s Health Care we send our sincere condolences to the family of Clara Bedard. Betty you were a wonderful caregiver to Clara. God Bless you and your family.
Kim Holmes
My deepest sympathies to Clara’s Family
I met Clara my first year of Nursing and she was a great “big sister”
Enjoyed our visits when we caught up again as employees at SGH
Kim (Scott) Holmes
Terry Fewkes
My condolences to Mike and family on the passing of clara I new clara for several yrs she was a very loving friend and mother to Mike and her grand children..I surely will miss clara! Rest in peace my friend till we meet again on the other side…xoxo
Cathy Stoddart
Worked with Claire many years ago. Always a kind and caring person. I have a beautiful stainglass light she made for Bob and I. Condolences to the family.
Tracey Lobsinger
Clara was a lovely lady. I had the pleasure of working along side her at Stratford General hospital and she helped deliver both of my children. Her bedside manner was fantastic!! Her diagnosis of Alzheimer’s at such a young age was tragic. She will be missed. Prayers and hugs to her family
Loralee McNaughton
I worked with Clara for many years in Stratford. She was so giving, and caring throughout her career but also as a friend.
She will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you remember her for who she was. She loved her son Michael and sister Betty so much.
Theresa Murray
Clara was a great nurse & a beautiful person!
Linda Yungblut
I enjoyed working with Clara and being in her company
We were lucky that Clara shared her knowledge with us ..teaching and certifying us in CPR and Neonatal Resus…
Retirement and Covid interrupted the frequency we visited or spoke with each other..Rest in peace lovely lady💕Linda
Wendy Chase
Clara was my “one in a million” friend and I shall miss her.
Jane Downey
Sympathy to the family of Clara, from a fellow nursing school classmate. Our paths have crosses every once in a while and I am truly saddened to learn of her passing. May your fond memories sustain you as you grieve your goodbyes to a wonderful lady.
Joyce Kuran
Condolences to all in this family. Clara was such a lovely person and was a devoted mother and aunt to her nephews and nieces and their siblings. Rest in peace, dear Clara.