Maurice Louis Bedard of Nashua, New Hampshire, died with his family by his side on May 26, 2018 after a seven-month battle with mesothelioma. Maurice was born on December 28, 1933 in Northfield, Vermont. He was the youngest child and only son of Louis Claude Bedard and Zorine (Lemonde) Bedard, both of whom had emigrated from St. Jean Baptiste, Quebec in the 1920s.
As a young boy, Maurice and his family moved to Northfield Falls. There he spent his youth creating pleasant memories: delivering newspapers throughout the entire town, caring for his family’s small collection of animals, managing the Northfield High School basketball team, and discovering his aptitude for mechanics and tinkering.
Maurice attended grade school in a two-room schoolhouse where he was one of five students in his class. He went on to Northfield High School and, upon graduation in 1952, took a position at Bean Chevrolet as the bookkeeper. In 1954, Maurice volunteered for the U.S. Army and served for two years as a staff sergeant in Korea. He was trained in fire direction control and small armament and artillery repair, and he worked as a fire direction controller in the Munsan-ni Valley. Based on his high performance on the entrance exam, Maurice was initially recommended as a candidate for officer training school. He was also the top scorer in his fire direction class. Intent on pursuing civilian higher education under the G.I. Bill, Maurice declined the opportunity for a military career and was honorably discharged in 1956.
Maurice returned to Northfield Falls and to his sweetheart, Lorraine Biron, who he had met prior to enlisting. He completed additional coursework at Northfield High School in preparation for studies at the Franklin Institute of Technology in Boston where he received his Associate of Science degree in Electronics Engineering in 1959. Following graduation, he was offered a position as an Electronics Technician at Sanders Associates in Nashua, New Hampshire and was quickly promoted to the position of engineer, remaining with the company until his retirement in 1999.
On June 9, 1962 Maurice and Lorraine were married at her home parish, Saint Augustine, in Montpelier, Vermont. In anticipation of their marriage, Maurice purchased a “fixer-upper” at the top of Chandler Street in Nashua. He and Lorraine spent every free moment they had, laughing as they refurbished their first home together. As their family grew to include a son, then a daughter, they decided to purchase land and build their own home. Side by side, Maurice and Lorraine personally constructed every aspect of the house they built on Hooker Street and made it their family home until his death.
Maurice was a talented craftsman and handyman. He was able to build or repair anything mechanical, electrical, or wooden. He used his talents to advance the causes that were dear to him and those he loved, building a pinewood derby track for his son’s cub scout pack, constructing trophy cases for his children’s junior high school, and refinishing the doors to the church in advance of his daughter’s wedding. Maurice was always ready and willing to lend a hand and offer encouragement on any project.
Maurice was generous with his time and talent. He served on the school board for the Nashua Deanery Schools and, alongside his wife, volunteered in countless activities for their children’s schools and interests. He conducted pinewood derby races for local cub scout packs for over thirty years. In retirement he found diversions as a census taker, volunteer tax preparer, and seasonal postal worker.
Maurice was a faithful Catholic and a parishioner of the former Saint Francis Xavier Parish. He served his parish as finance chair, Eucharistic Minister, RCIA sponsor, and in many renovation and maintenance projects. Following the closure of Saint Francis Xavier, Maurice was a communicant of the Parish of the Resurrection. During retirement, Maurice and Lorraine could often be seen walking to morning Mass at Saint Christopher Parish.
Above all else, Maurice was entirely devoted to his family. He and Lorraine were true partners and best friends. They cherished the simple joys of everyday life and were always content to be in one another’s company. He was an active and caring presence in his children’s lives and took great pride in their accomplishments. Most of all, he found enormous joy in his grandchildren, cherished the many hours they spent together, and treasured his role as “Pépère.”
Maurice led a life of humility, hard work, and devotion. He will be dearly missed by those who loved him.
In addition to his parents, Maurice was predeceased by three sisters, Cecile (Bedard) Dubuque, Louise T. Bedard, and an infant sister, Claire Bedard, three brothers-in law, Lawrence Dubuque, Romain Biron, Ernest Biron, and a sister-in-law, Doris Biron.
In addition to his beloved wife, Lorraine, he is survived by his son, Biron Bedard of Meredith, NH, his daughter, Lorrice Bedard, his son-in-law, Brian Rockwell, and their children, Evangeline, Ambrose and Elise, all of Nashua, NH. He is also survived by his brother-in law and sister-in-law, Edward J. and Carlene Biron, and his sister-in-law, Gloria Biron, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Wednesday, May 30th from 4 to 7 p.m. and at the Parish of the Resurrection, 449 Broad Street, Nashua, Thursday morning from 10 a.m. until the Funeral Mass at 11 o’clock. Interment will follow in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery. Friends are invited to attend. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com
