Nina Joy Bedford (nee Mobley) passed away on April 1, 2009 at the age of 91. She was born in Salmon Arm on May 19, 1917. Predeceased by eight brothers and sisters, she is survived by her husband Victor after 65 years of marriage, daughters Barbara (Michael) Dagneau, and Melanie (Bob) Ashton, grandchildren Chad and Brook McCarthy, Meghan and Jamie Ashton, sister Aline Bourrie, and two large clans of relatives.
Daughter of Laura and Charles Mobley, Nina was the ninth of 10 children. She grew up in Sunnybrae, Tappen. Later she worked in Bedford’s Drug Store, and in 1943 married Vic Bedford, who became the optometrist in Salmon Arm. They eventually moved back to Sunnybrae and finished raising their two daughters. A stroke disabled her six years ago, but they managed to stay in their Sunnybrae house until shortly before her passing away.
Nina had a free spirit and an amazing understanding of life and people. She was an artist, portraying these aforementioned qualities in her paintings. She especially loved and cared for her family, and was a “rock” to her clan. Her door was always open. This energetic lady had a great zest for life. She had a positive outlook, but always had the strength to stand up for what she knew was right and truthful, even in difficult times. A feature one always noticed, were her sparkly pale blue eyes, which always shone from depths. It is with much sadness we say goodbye to an unusually gifted and caring lady, who “was there” for many. May God hold her in His hand, give her wings, and allow this free spirited lady to fly. God bless you all.
Thanks to the kind and caring staff of Bastion Place, to her neighbours Jan and Richard Scott, to those who attended her wake, and to all who entered my mother’s life over the years who gave her love and caring. For those who wish to donate, it would be Nina’s wish that they donate an act of kindnesss to someone every day.