Joan M. (Costello) Bedford

Joan M. (Costello) Bedford - Loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother

LOWELL - Joan M. (Costello) Bedford 88, a longtime resident of the Christian Hill neighborhood in the Centralville section of Lowell, passed away on Wednesday morning, September 10, at Lowell General Hospital with her loving family by her side.

Joan was the wife of the late Robert P. Bedford that passed away in 2007 after being married for 48 years.

Joan was born in Lowell on June 19, 1937, daughter of the late Grace 0. (White) and Charles P. Costello.

She grew up in the Belvidere section of Lowell and moved to the Christian Hill neighborhood of Lowell where she lived for over 60 years.

Mrs. Bedford was a parishioner of St. Michael Parish where she formerly taught First Communion Classes to children with Special Needs. She currently served as a Eucharistic Minister, Sacristan, and was a member of the Altar Society. She had a special devotion to the Blessed Mother.

Joan was educated at St. Patrick High School and graduated from Emmanuel College in 1958.

She retired from Lowell General Hospital after 42 years as a Senior Medical Technologist. In the years after she was semi-retired, she was employed by Patenaude Law Offices as a legal assistant.

Joan was active in her community. She has served as a Board of Director member for the Holy Union Special School, Lowell Alzheimer's Association, Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley, Greater Lowell Kiwanis Club, and the Lowell Council on Aging.

As a Past President of the Greater Lowell Kiwanis Club and present member, Joan has served on and chaired almost all committees of the club. She was twice awarded "Kiwanian of the Year" by her fellow Kiwanians. She volunteered at the Lowell Folk Festival from the beginning, over 30 years ago.

In 2023, Joan was awarded the Cheverus Award by the Archdiocese of Boston. This award is given to honor laypeople who give to their parish or faith community. Joan also received the Presidents Lifetime Achievement Award for her lifelong commitment to building a stronger nation through volunteer service.

Joan is survived by two sons and two daughters-in-law, Chief Master Sergeant (Retired) Steven C. Bedford and Karen A. McCarthy and James R. Bedford and Kathleen M. (McCarthy) Bedford; her loving grandchildren: Joshlyn M. Lee (Alex) of Pelham, NH, Lauryn D. Bedford of Nashua, NH, Ryan McCarthy of Pelham, NH, Jeremy K. Bedford (Courtney) and Matthew S. Bedford, all of TX, Aaron M. Bedford (Kristin) and Christopher J. Bedford (Patrice), all of MI; 10 great grandchildren, lsibeal, Isabella, Adyson, Theodore, Eleina, Jacob, Lydia, Lydia, Stetson and Devin.

She leaves her "Sister" and Best Friend" Clare C. Hamilton, Clare’s children and grandchildren; she leaves a very special niece and friend, Audrey M. Primeau of VA, her brothers and their families.

She is also survived by her extended family, the Callery and McCarthy families where she was affectionately known as Nana.

She leaves her Godchildren: Kenneth Primeau, William Savini and Adam Dombrowski.

Besides her parents and husband Bob, she was predeceased by their son David E. Bedford, great-grandson, Frankie, sister Lorraine and brother in-law Victor a. Primeau, mother and father-in-law, Caroline and Edward Bedford, sister in law, Jeannine Bellemare and brothers in law, Richard Bellemare and William Hamilton, Godchild Karen Laforge.

Relatives and friends are invited to Joan’s Life Celebration on Saturday morning from 8:30 AM until 10:30 AM at the McKENNA-OUELLETTE FUNERAL HOME, 327 Hildreth Street. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM in St. Michael Church. Burial in St. Joseph Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to:

Special Olympics Massachusetts, 512 Forest St, Marlborough, MA 01752