Obituary of Germaine Marie Aurore Bedell (Vigneau)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Germaine Marie Aurore Bedell (Vigneau), who peacefully passed away on February 27, 2025 at the age of 91. Germaine was born in Jarvie, Alberta on December 13th, 1933, and spent much of her childhood with her best friends Theresa and Grace.

Ken and Germaine married on December 26th,1955 and lived in St. Albert, Alberta until 1970. Between 1956 and 1969 they welcomed seven children. Germaine was always on the go, ensuring there was never a dull moment. She also sold Vanda beauty products door to door and was always a dedicated follower of fashion. The family moved to Cranbrook, B.C. in 1970 and Ken and Germaine owned and operated Willow Appliances until 1995. During some of that time Germaine also worked at the Bank of Montreal. It is easy to see that Germaine was the thread that held the family together. Her days were full of cooking meals, having an immaculate home, keeping 7 children and one crazy husband in line, and she still had the energy to ski, motorbike and go on outings with the family.

She enjoyed playing cards with family and friends, and most often took everyone’s money. Even when she lost her eyesight she still managed to beat everyone. Germaine also enjoyed time with her friends on ski trips and during square-dancing weekends. Germaine was an exceptional cook and served a feast for every occasion including summers at the family cabin, birthdays, Easter, Thanksgiving, and especially Christmas when she would prepare a meal for up to 30 people (and have a carefully thought out gift list). She made Christmas at the Bedell’s “the place to be” for family, friends, and friends of friends. Everyone was welcome. She didn’t so much as flinch when there were extra people at the dinner table or when her kids or grandkids brought friends home at lunch hour. The more the merrier.
 

Germaine is survived by her seven children: Brian (Karen), Catherine (Micheal), Russell (Arlene), Neal (Dayna), Warren (Fiona), Denise, and Joanne (Martin), as well as her twelve grandchildren: Scott, Becky, Michelle, Russell, Olivia, Zachary, Kyra, Jenna, Megan, Sara, Julie, and Nicolas. She also leaves behind her precious great-grandchildren: Caleb, Fraser, Nelson, JJ, Aiden, Kenny, Wyatt, Quinn, and Emmy.

Germaine was predeceased by her beloved husband Ken, her mother Juliette, her father Alphonse, her brothers Leonard and Robert, and her sister Jeannette.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Joseph Creek Village for the exceptional compassionate care given to Germaine.

A Graveside Service for Germaine will take place on in the Westlawn Cemetery (Serenity Gardens) on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to C.N.I.B. Never forgotten and always loved.