Jean Bedel
February 09, 1932 - July 01, 2018
Visitation: Thursday and Friday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Devlin Funeral Home, North Hills
Service: Saturday 10 a.m. in St. Teresa of Avila Church
Jean Ruth Bedel was born in Pittsburgh on February 9th, 1932. Her parents were Joseph and Mary (Matsko) Ruyak. She was the youngest of three children with brother John and sister Elsie. She was married to Denis Bedel for over 62 years and had three children; Mark (W: Elizabeth Gorski), Denise Bedel Deffner and Brian (W: Melissa Marcotulli). Jean was blessed with six grandchildren; Marisa, Evan, Anthony, Gianna, Sean and Gabriella.
She was an executive with North Hills H. S. Sports boosters, as well as many other school organizations. Jean and Denis were involved for 21 years with Catholic Engaged Encounter, presenting marriage preparation weekends for over two thousand engaged couples. Both she and Denis were also involved with the national organization, the Outline Task Force, preparing and modifying the presentations for the weekends. The recruitment of priests, to be weekend presenters, was also part of her ministry. This involved working with the priests on their presentations. Jean had a talent for decorating, floral arrangements in particular. Jean also had a great affection for dogs, especially the smaller, black and tan Dacshunds, like the two canine loves of her life, Nicky and Heidi. A
bove all was Jean’s love of her family, exemplified by her 13 year odyssey through 15 neurologists to find a remedy for Denise’ epilepsy, with culmination in brain surgery in 1987 that controlled her seizures. Special thanks to Drs. Richard Dashieff and John K. Vries at UPMC. Jean never knew that everyone who met her, instantly fell in love with her.
Friends received Thursday & Friday 2-4 & 6-8 pm at Devlin Funeral Home Inc 806 Perry Highway North Hills. Mass of Christian Burial in St Teresa of Avila Church Saturday 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Catholic Charities.
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Remembering fondly all of the EE weekends we spent together. Also attending mass with you and then having dinner at Eat N Park. Jean was such a blessing in our lives. We will miss her but know that she is now home and no longer in pain. We love you with all our heart!
Jean was one of the most loving, caring and amazing people I knew. I have so many fond memories of her at family gatherings. You could feel the love she had for you even if you were talking to her on the phone. She touched the lives of everyone that was lucky enough to meet her. Even through all of the health challenges that she faced, she could still bring a smile to your face. There’s a new star in the heavens & it’s surely named Jean. We are all better off for having known her.
Denis and family. I am so sorry to hear about Jean. You have my sincere condolences