Irene A. Bedard

1927 - 2022

Irene A (Gagne) Bedard, 95, beloved wife of deceased Joseph Raymond Bedard, died Monday, June 20, after a brief illness. Irene was born on June 7, 1927 in Lawrence, MA. She was the daughter of Canadian immigrants, Joseph and Elisa Gagne, and the forth of five children. She was predeceased by her three brothers and one sister, and the last of her spouses's generation (Bedard). Irene was married to Joseph "Ray" Bedard on September 5, 1948. After living briefly in California and Michigan, they settled in East Hartford in 1951. They were a striking couple in so many ways in their early years. Their love of dancing and gracefulness on the dance floor led spectators to watch in "awe" as they "glided" across the floor. Their rhythm of leading and following, like the natural flow of water and gravity, underpinned their marriage and faith journey. They were long time communicants of Saint Edmund Campion Parish in East Hartford, and prayer warriors for their children and grandchildren. Irene's rosary was never far from her hands. Irene is survived by her six children and their spouses: Richard Bedard of Manchester, Thomas Bedard of The Villages, Florida, Elaine and Michael Robinson of Meredith, NH, Joan and Michael Rogers of Simsbury, David and Lisa Bedard of East Hartford, and Gloria and Jim Barry of Coventry. Irene leaves 9 grandchildren: Evan and Jackie Bedard, Neon Robinson, Sarah Rogers, Elliot Rogers and spouse Amy, Stephanie Dumont and spouse Matt, Matthew Wakelee, James Barry, Zack Barry and spouse, Brittney. She leaves two great granddaughters, twins, Grace and Charlotte Dumont. She was the happy expectant great-grandmother of baby girl Rogers and baby boy Barry. She also leaves many, nieces, nephews and cousins of several generations, and so very many beloved friends. Irene took great joy in her family, neighbors, friends and church community, always striving to be helpful and blessing others with handmade gifts, meals and baked goods. Irene had a passion for crocheting, which she was very skilled at. She was immersed in beautiful crocheting projects until the day she passed. For years Irene crocheted baby hats and blankets which she donated to organizations supporting women facing unplanned pregnancies. She had such a love for babies and young children. Irene enjoyed the challenge of continually trying "something new" in her kitchen. It pleased her so much to delight the recipient's palate. She was a true "care" giver. That care came back to her full circle as she lived out her last years at home, the same home where she and Ray raised a family, the same home where Ray passed. We are profoundly grateful to the following: Irene's in-home care providers who were so much more, Glenda Kearns and Larisa Olilenko; to Irene's neighbors, Frank and Betsy Forest and Hong Doan and her family, who know the true meaning of being a good neighbor; to her extended family and many friends who so often reached out to her; and to her medical team, Dr. Reme Matthews, Kim Collins, APRN and Mary Jane Bryant, Coumadin Clinic Manager, who followed up with Irene's medical care at home, always with the best attention to every detail. May Irene's and Ray's prayers continue to cover all of their beloved. May the many memories of being with them in their home continue to inform us all of how it felt to belong. Theirs was charism of hospitality. Relatives and friends may call on the family, Sunday, June 26, 2022 from 3-5pm at the D'Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter St., East Hartford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, June 27 at 10am in St. Christopher Church, 538 Brewer St., East Hartford (Attendees are asked to go directly to church). Interment will follow the Mass in Silver Lane Cemetery, Silver Lane, East Hartford. To extend online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.desopoeh.com.