DARTMOUTH — Barbara Ann Bedell, 82, passed away unexpectedly, Monday, September 19th, at home peacefully. She was the wife of 62 years of Laurence Bedell.
Born in Oceanside Long Island, as Barbara Ann Fortin, the daughter of the late Paul and Edna Fortin. She lived in the Dartmouth area since 1990, and previously was a resident of Dover.
She was a professional swimmer in the Jones Beach Water Ballet, graduated from Hofstra College and taught in the Newton and Brookline MA school systems. She was a loving wife and mother and raised three boys, managed her husband’s dental practice, was an amazing artist and photographer, the author of two books and lately a mentor for boys at Alma Delmar. She was a member of the Zieterion Theater board of directors and active with the Pilgrim Church in New Bedford.
Survivors include her husband Larry of Dartmouth, MA, her sister Marjorie and her husband Carl of MN, her son Jeffrey and daughter in law Robin of Harvard, MA, Scott and Amy of East Burke, VT, and Lonnie of Brookline, MA. She is survived by five grandchildren: Kyle and Katherine Bedell of Stow, MA, Rebecca Bedell of OH, Ryan Bedell of Waltham, MA, Sarah and Joseph Portuondo of Dracut, MA, Micaela Bedell of Bangor, ME, and one great grandchild Melody, of Dracut MA.
Calling hours are Thursday, Sept. 22nd from 4-7 PM in the Wilson Chapel, 479 County Street, New Bedford. The funeral will be held on Friday, Sept. 23rd at 10 AM at the Pilgrim United Church of Christ, 635 Purchase Street, New Bedford. Burial will follow at 1:30 p.m. in the Highland Cemetery in Dover, MA.