Obituaries

BEDFORD, Sandra UPDATED SERVICE INFORMATION

January 10, 1943 - February 27, 2025

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.

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 (hospicehousekelowna.com) or BC Cancer - Kelowna - Sindi Ahluwalia Hawkins Centre for the Southern Interior (www.bccancer.bc.ca/our-services/centres-clinics/bc-cancer-kelowna).

Condolences, photos, and memories may be sent to the family by visiting her obituary page at www.springfieldfuneralhome.com/obituaries/bedford-sandra (click matching link below).

Link: www.springfieldfuneralhome.com/obituaries/bedford-sandra

Condolence Messages

Apr 10, 2025
So sorry to hear of Sandy’s passing.I worked with Sandy many years ago at KGH.what amazing lady rest in peace, my friend. - Sharon Raeside
Apr 04, 2025
Sandy was the sweetest lady. I babysat for her many years ago in Black Mountain. She was a dear friend to our family when we were newly arrived from England. I'm so sorry for her family's loss.

- Tina Chan
Apr 04, 2025
I’m so sorry to hear of Sandra’s passing. We had the pleasure of meeting her when she was an airport ambassador and I was working at the airport. Sandra was always so helpful—not just at the airport, but everywhere she went. People were naturally drawn to her warm smile and wonderfully cheeky sense of humour. She had a special way of making others feel welcome and cared for. Sandra will be fondly remembered and deeply missed.

- Jenelle & Henry
Mar 19, 2025
I’m so sorry for your loss she was a beautiful lady. I knew Sandra many years ago when she and her husband took over the janitorial contract at orchard park shopping centre. When Dave passed away she continued with that contract on her own. Loved our time together thru many years. - Marie Mckiernan
Mar 18, 2025
I also worked with Sandra at KGH. She was always so gracious & full of life. She will be missed. - Darlene Rybka (Warman,Sk)
Mar 17, 2025
I had the pleasure of knowing Sandy when I worked at KGH and Sandy worked in switchboard. So friendly..such a fabulous

person and had the best cookie swaps...RIP such fond memories... - Esther
Mar 17, 2025
So very sorry to hear of Sandy's passing. I worked with her for many, many years at KGH. She was quite the gal, always full of energy, we always got the job done, but had fun doing it. Sandy's will be missed.Keep her close to your heart.

Donna Majewski - Donna Majewski
Mar 17, 2025
My sincere sympathy to the family. I worked with Sandy at KGH for many years.

She will be missed.

Flo Rowney - Flo Rowney
Mar 16, 2025
Sandy, my friend...........I met you 15 years ago when I started at the airport. You were my mentor and I soon found myself on your shift permanently . Oh the stories I could tell...like when we were having trouble completing an exam at the airport. We both failed it twice so we decided to do it together and cheated......and failed it again. I think we were Kens biggest nightmare. I had a lovely shift 9 am till noon.......but you convinced me it would be more fun to start at 7.30........right........How about that time all of us went camping and I brought the gazebo.....but I forgot the roof....and yes, it rained. You never let me forget that. I marvelled at your energy. You could bake a scratch cake, do a load of laundry, have a casserole in the oven and be getting ready for dancing before 10 am. When you asked me what I did, I often made up stuff so that you wouldnt think I was lazy. We solved the problems of the world....... we laughed and cried......On Feb 24, 2015 my husband passed away at Hospice House and you drove me home to Winfield. Now 10 yrs. later, almost to the day, you took your last breath at Hospice House.You were such a fighter I never thought you would lose the battle........but t I guess God had other plans. My heart is broken and I am angry. Ernie and your family loved you with all of their hearts and so did we. I am honored to have known you and been your friend. I am really gonna miss you . Say Hi to Morley xoxoxoxox - Maryann Tulloch
Mar 16, 2025
The world has lost an amazing lady. I have very fond memories of working with Sandy. She always was happy and made you laugh! May you rest in peace, Sandy!

Suzanne - S.Ryll
Mar 15, 2025
How do you say goodbye to a true angel.

It is very hard.

The memories the family and friends have will last forever!

RIP SANDRA. You will never be forgotten.

Sandra
Mar 15, 2025
My sincere condolences,we worked together many years.rest in the arms of Jesus Sandy

Sincerely Eva - Eva Gustafson
Mar 15, 2025
Sandra was a lovely lady in every way, RIP SANDY .

Tom Mckee
Mar 14, 2025
My sincere condolences to the whole family.San was a bright light everywhere she went…always telling a joke and enjoying everyone around her.She was a favourite amongst her nieces and a great sister to her siblings..She is sorely missed by all who knew her.Hugs to all - Ann Ritchie