
Waterford - Margaret Bedat, wife of the late Frank Bedat, passed away at her home June 2, 2024. She died peacefully after a brief recurrence of cancer from two years ago. She was born in Voluntown to Peter and Nora (McDonald) Violette. She attended local schools and was a 1951 graduate of Griswold High School.
After graduating Margaret worked for Kay Jewelers for many years before the store was bought and renamed McDermott Jewelers where she worked until retirement.
She was married January 17, 1952. For many years she and Frank made their home in Bozrah before retiring to their cabin in Andover, VT, spending winters in Florida and Jekyll Island, GA. They were married 54 years until his death in 2006.
Early in her marriage, Margaret traveled with her infant daughter to Germany to join her husband who was serving in the Army. While there they traveled to many countries throughout Europe. In the states she continued to travel with her husband throughout the U.S. and Canada. Margaret was fortunate to twice cross the pond again to visit Great Britain and Ireland with her daughters and grandchildren.
For many years Margaret was active in the Women’s Auxiliary of the Bozrah Fire Department and Norwich Ten Pin Bowling leagues. Throughout her life she enjoyed playing and watching all sports especially UCONN basketball and snowmobiling in the VT woods. She was an avid gardener, reader, and always well informed about current news topics and issues. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends sharing much laughter at picnics, impromptu potlucks and celebrations of all kind. After her children, her greatest joy was her granddaughters. She spent as much time as possible with them and took great pride in watching them grow into accomplished adults. She was blessed to know and love her four great-grandchildren.
She leaves behind her daughters Nadine Hoagland, Nancy Tessier and husband Bob, grandchildren Kara Benjamin and husband Andy, Tracey Mills and husband Ethan, great-grandchildren Ellie and Finn Benjamin, Callum and Liam Mills, special cousin in-law Virginia (Bedat) Mays, a brother Richard Violette, as well as many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, Margaret was predeceased by her brothers Lawrence, John, and Neil Violette, sisters Rosemary Violette, Theresa Herbert and husband Milton, Rita Eichelberg and husband Donald.
Margaret’s family wishes to express warm thanks and great appreciation to the medical staff at the Smilow Cancer Center in Waterford and to her Hospice and private caregivers for their gentle and compassionate care of Margaret in her final weeks as well as their empathetic support to her family.
A graveside service is planned for October 4, 11 a.m. at Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Randolph, VT.
In memory of Margaret, memorial contributions can be made to a charity of choice.
Margaret was a very special lady. Many fond memories of our time together and the many conversations we have had the last few years, RIP ❤️