Louise T. Bedell, obituary

Mon, 09/21/2020 - 3:45pm

CAMDEN — Louise Thompson Bedell, 100, was laid to rest on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at Oak Hill Cemetary in Camden, surrounded by family and friends who loved her amazing spirit. Louise, widow of George D.
Bedell Sr., died Saturday March 14, 2020, peacefully at Anderson Inn in Camden.

Born in Providence, Rhode Island on May 8, 1919, she was the daughter of William and Charlotte (Coley) Thompson. Louise grew up in Stratford, Conn. and graduated from Stratford High School and the Junior College of Connecticut. She was a member of the Remington Arms office force in Bridgeport, Connecticut and did a modeling campaign in 1942 for Remington Arms.

In December 1942 she married George Davidson Bedell in Connecticut. They welcomed a son, George Davidson Jr., while stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia in 1945. They lived in Lansing, Michigan and Palatine, Illinois before moving to Guelph, Ontario, Canada in 1969.

Louise enjoyed playing Bridge with her many friends in Canada and hosting many dinner parties. She was the supportive wife as her husband, developed a new four-year degree program in hotel and food administration at the University of Guelph. Her granddaughters have many fond memories of spending summer vacations in Canada and helping Grandma Louise make her famous molasses and chocolate chip cookies.

After enjoying many summer vacations in Maine, Mr. and Mrs. Bedell purchased land in Camden and built a beautiful Cape Cod house with many gardens. They enjoyed many years at their home on Norumbega Drive and countless walks to Sherman Cove and into town. Mr. and Mrs. Bedell enjoyed all the activities that Camden had to offer.

Louise was an active member of the First Congregational Church in Camden. She enjoyed baking cookies for church events and volunteering at Heavenly Threads. Louise enjoyed her time at the YMCA and with the Camden Garden Club. She was an avid bowler and enjoyed the many lunches that followed with all of her bowling friends.

Mr. and Mrs. Bedell decided to downsize and bought one of the first cottages in Quarry Hill in 2002. While at Quarry Hill Louise enjoyed many of the social events and even revived her modeling career by participating in the Heavenly Threads fashion shows at Quarry Hill. She will always be remembered for her impeccable style and sharp eye for fashion even as she turned 100 years old.

George and Louise were married for 67 years of happiness. They traveled the world, going to over 30 countries in their travels. They enjoyed endless trips to visit their family and looked forward to visits from family, showing family all that coast had to offer. They enjoyed countless trips to Pemaquid Point and visits to the top of Mount Battie.

Louise was a loving Mother and Grandmother. The memories that she has created for her family are endless. We just wished her cookie supply was endless. She had a kindness about her that was contagious. She was all smiles the day of her 100th Birthday celebration at Quarry Hill and was very thankful to have her friends and family with her for this milestone. She will be deeply missed by all that had the blessing to have known her.

Louise is survived by her son, George D. Bedell Jr. of Hoffman Estates, Illinois; granddaughter, Carrie Alberson and her husband Scott; great-grandchildren Jaden and Larkin of Elk Grove Village Illinois, and Laurie Lofye and her husband Kurt; and great-grandchildren Gabrielle, Kyle and Erich of Frisco, Texas.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com.

Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.