Obituary of Grace Karen BEDARD

BEDARD, Grace Karen July 3, 1942 – Yarmouth, NS August 15, 2013 – Calgary, AB Karen passed away surrounded by her loving family, including her beloved dog Skipper, on Thursday, August 15, 2013 at the age of 71. Karen was born in Yarmouth, NS to John and Annie (Hitchens) McKay. She grew up in Shelburne, NS where she and her brother enjoyed spending time at the family shipyard. This opportunity allowed Karen and her brother John to develop a passion for shipbuilding and its history in the area. Karen received her Bachelor’s degree at Acadia University she then went on to McGill University and earned her Master’s degree in library science. Karen began her career in Halifax, NS at the Halifax City Regional Library and the Nova Scotia Provincial Library. In 1970 she and a friend drove out west together to find jobs and adventure! She settled in Calgary, AB where she met her husband, Barry, and worked as a librarian first for the Calgary Board of Education and later at Mount Royal College. Her husband’s service in the military allowed the young couple to enjoy many adventures which included the four years spent in Germany and the birth of their two children. Upon moving back to Canada and for the next seven years the young family settled in Calgary, AB before moving to Oromocto, NB. They would spend the next four years there before ultimately settling permanently back in Calgary, AB. Karen found great purpose and enjoyment in researching and documenting her family history. She was also an avid birder and she and her husband enjoyed spending time enjoying nature. She could identify a bird by its song and would then happily wait to catch a glimpse and maybe even snap a picture. She was delighted to discover her allergy to dogs didn’t include the Maltese, and took pride in ownership and training first Nootka and later Skipper. She is survived by her loving husband of 39 years Barry Bedard; her son Stephen (Sara) Bedard; her daughter Jennifer (Darren) Hayes and her cherished grandchildren Kaden , Avery and Tegen Bedard and Taylor Boese; as well her brother John “Buddy” McKay. Karen is predeceased by her parents John and Annie McKay Funeral Services will be held at ST. Marks Catholic Church (5552 Madigan Drive N.E) on Saturday, August 24, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. Graveside Service to follow at Mountain View Memorial Garden (17 Ave. S.E. at Garden Road, 1515 100 Street S.E.) . If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Calgary Humane Society, 4455 – 110th Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2C 2T7, Telephone: (403)205-4455, or to the Alberta Lung Association, P.O. Box 4500, Station South, Edmonton, AB T6E 6K2. Condolences may be forwarded through . In living memory of Karen Bedard, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Eastside Memorial Chapel, 5388 MEMORIAL DRIVE N.E., Calgary, AB Telephone: 403-248-8585.