We Remember

BEDFORD, Sandra UPDATED SERVICE INFORMATION

January 10, 1943 — February 27, 2025

On February 27, 2025, Sandra Bedford passed away peacefully at the hospice house in Kelowna, BC. Predeceased by her husband, Dave Dick in 1989; her mother, Margery Bedford in 1990; her father, Frank Bedford in 2009; her niece Shelly Hamilton in 2021; and her brother-in-law Wayne Mowat in 1980; she is survived by her partner of six years, Ernie Matsuba; her children, Margery Bedford (Dave) and Catherine Rogers(Chris); grandchildren, Jacob Rogers and Madison Rogers; siblings, Alan Bedford (Jean), Ken Bedford (Mary), and Jane McKamey (Don); nieces Kari, Colleen, Carla, Jenny, and Jeanette and nephews Kevin and Colin and their significant others and children; as well as many cousins in Scotland and England.

Sandra was born January 10, 1943, in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, England. In 1957, the family immigrated to BC, Canada. Mom always spoke of her first Canadian friends, Merrilee and Linda, and the good times they had in North Vancouver.

Sandra had many jobs throughout her life: Advertising, parole office, RCMP clerk, bank teller, and she helped her husband start a successful janitorial business. But, the career she was most passionate about was working in a hospital environment.  She was first at North Vancouver Lionsgate and then at the Kelowna General. That career spanned over 40 years and she wore many hats. Mom loved it and was exceptionally good at it. Mom retired from being a switchboard operator in 2003.

Friends and family were of utmost importance to Sandra, and she was there to lend a helping hand at any time. Mom always spoke of her family in Scotland and England; When they came to Canada to visit, it was like we had all known each other our entire lives, despite the distance. FaceTime calls with them became a regular occurrence.

Mom was the most social person I’ve ever known; Travelling with Ernie, co-ordinating cruises with friends and family, playing cards regularly, hosting dinners and lunches with beautifully decorated tables each time. Dancing was a true passion she enjoyed at the seniors centre with live music. San absolutely loved Saturday nights with Ernie dancing the night away.

Sandra always gave back to the community. At the Kelowna airport, she volunteered as an Ambassador for 18 years. Her achievements included being the first Junior Ambassador coordinator along with Ambassador of the year in 2009. Often she went above and beyond to assist travellers whom she saw needed some extra help. While volunteering at the Central Okanagan Hospice House, Sandra further proved to be a natural caregiver. Everyone in her life was touched, in someway, by her ability to help them feel included, loved, and cared for.

Sandra loved composing poems. After becoming a Canadian Citizen in 1980, she wrote a poem about and titled “Our Canada”. Sandra also created stories that she read to her grandchildren’s primary school classes and was known as the story lady. After retirement, Sandra devoted time taking care of her grandchildren while Chris and Cathy worked.

Always having her camera ready and looking for the next photo opportunity, she created “Natures Notes”. An assembly of a variety of cards with her beautiful photographs. Sandra was our personal photographer at family gatherings. Her sense of humour was always present. Never missing an opportunity to make us laugh and lighten the mood if necessary.

Mom, Nana, San, Sandy, Sandra will be dearly missed.

All the family wishes to express our most sincere gratitude to Dr. Schriemer, the staff at BC cancer clinic, KGH, and all the staff at Central Okanagan hospice house for their amazing care they provided.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to these organizations: Central Okanagan Hospice House or BC Cancer – Kelowna – Sindi Ahluwalia Hawkins Centre for the Southern Interior.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 11:00 am, at the Clubhouse in the Gardens, 1965 Durnin Road, Kelowna, BC.  Park on Durnin or the surrounding areas. Enter the Clubhouse via the walkway off Springfield Road.

Condolences, photos, and memories may be sent to the family by visiting her obituary page at www.springfieldfuneralhome.com.

Service
Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 11:00 am

Location
Clubhouse in the Gardens, 1965 Durnin Road, Kelowna, BC.

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Central Okanagan Hospice House or BC Cancer - Kelowna - Sindi Ahluwalia Hawkins Centre for the Southern Interior Link: hospicehousekelowna.com, www.bccancer.bc.ca/our-services/centres-clinics/bc-cancer-kelowna

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for BEDFORD, Sandra UPDATED SERVICE INFORMATION is scheduled for Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 11:00 am. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Clubhouse in the Gardens, 1965 Durnin Road, Kelowna, BC.

1965 Durnin Road, Kelowna, BC.

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

Funeral Pointers:

 


Condolences

  • Ken Dewerson says:
    March 14, 2025 at 6:21 pm

    Ernie and Sandra`s family, sincere condolences from all The YLW Ambassadors, and all the YLW. Sandra`s friendly attitude Sandra`s friendly attitude and smile will be missed at YLW.

    Reply
  • Hector and Carol Deault says:
    March 14, 2025 at 6:30 pm

    So sad to hear about Sandy as she was a lovely and caring person. She will be missed by all who knew her.

    Reply
  • Gregory Jethon says:
    March 14, 2025 at 6:57 pm

    A wonderful tribute to a wonderful woman SANDRA always was spot of light and happiness on a dreary day, always bringing a smile to all who knew her, .She will be greatly missed by all

    Reply
  • Dorothy Montgomery says:
    March 15, 2025 at 9:18 am

    My husband Ross(passed away in 2013) and I got to know Sandra thru the ambassador program at YLW. We worked together for many years Sandra will be remembered for her lemon tarts which she shared with all. She was always cheerful and had many stories to tell. She will be greatly
    Missed by all who knew her

    Reply
  • Colin and Trish Partridge says:
    March 15, 2025 at 9:55 pm

    With deep sadness, we share in the sorrow of Sandra’s passing.

    Trish and I cherished the 163 emails we received from Sandra and Ernie—each filled with daily chuckles, updates, or concern for us during our personal family crises. Sandra had an incredible gift for lifting spirits, whether through her words, jokes, cheerful attitude, or delicious baked goods.

    We are better people for having known her.
    Respectfully,
    Colin & Trish

    Reply
  • Patricia Sali says:
    March 17, 2025 at 4:02 pm

    She was the most amazing ,fun person I’ve ever met ! We had so many fun overnight stays so she could go dancing with us in Vernon. Camping was another thing we all got together and she’d plan a meal and had it already for us next day. So many memories thank you Sandy 🌹💐💕

    Reply
  • Sheelagh & Gys Niemeyer says:
    March 17, 2025 at 5:08 pm

    Sincere condolences to Ernie and family on Sandy’s passing. We have fond memories of gatherings together. & will miss her wit & personally. RIP Sandy. You will always be remembered.

    Reply
  • Carol Liggit says:
    March 18, 2025 at 9:33 am

    Sandra was a friend like no other and I thought of her as my sister. Sandra will be missed, but never forgotten. I hold many wonderful memories in my heart from all the great times we shared over the 30+ years. My heartfelt thoughts to Ernie and all of Sandy’s family.

    Reply
  • Jane Mckamey says:
    March 23, 2025 at 9:50 pm

    My Beautiful Sister, My Best Friend. ….Oh how I miss you so much …..I am lost In so many ways without you here….I miss the FaceTime calls we had together…..You were always the best for describing something, ,and I would just picture that very thing In that very moment and then I would laugh out loud. …… I always wished we lived a little closer so we could have opened our little tea shop together ….I have so much I want to say to you but the words don’t come… but . I have a millions of memories of you and they will never be taken from me. To say “ I Miss You” is an understatement compared to how much I think about you….. Rest In Peace my beautifully Sister and, I will love you always and forever until we meet again Soon..
    “Your Baby Blister”

    Reply
  • DARLENE Jethon says:
    April 3, 2025 at 1:24 pm

    Sandra is missed daily by so many. She was the light that that came into our lives that kept us all bright.
    Her bouncy attitude did wonders for so many. After a visit from Sandy made you feel 10 years younger.
    I am so lucky I had the privilege of knowing her. Sending Love!

    Reply

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