Carol Berdine Bedinger

died October 17th, 2014, at her home in Poulsbo, Washington, warmly supported by her family and caregivers. Born May 28, 1918 in Duluth, MN, to Oscar and Mabel Hetzel, she was raised in Portland, OR and Port Townsend, WA. Carol worked in Seattle and Long Beach, CA until she met Bob Bedinger in Yakima, where she was working for the Civil Aeronautics Authority and he was a flight instructor in the Civilian Pilot Training Program. They were married in 1944 and resided in Seattle until 1953, when they moved with their two children, JoAnne and Greg, to Anchorage, Alaska Territory. Bob flew for Pacific Northern Airlines and Carol spent much of her time raising their kids, coordinating family camping and fishing trips, being an active den mother for Cub Scouts, and exploring her artistic side in wood and copper work. The family made many memorable trips throughout Alaska, mostly in their "second car", a 4-place floatplane or the Plymouth station wagon.Carol and Bob relocated the family to Seattle in 1961, and then to Poulsbo in 1964, where they both became involved in the Poulsbo Yacht Club and boating throughout Puget Sound and the Gulf Islands. After Bob retired in 1974, they enjoyed many winters in Mesa, Arizona. Carol's memories of growing up in Port Townsend, flying in Alaska, boating in the Gulf Islands, and exploring the southwestern US remained with her throughout her life.Carol's family will be forever grateful for the loving care she received during her final months from Mahlin Perez, Audrey Parker, and Betsy Olson and two "care cats" Moushka and Slim Shady. Carol's husband of 52 years, Bob Bedinger, and her good friend, Tom Valiga, predeceased her. Carol is survived by her children JoAnne Rydberg (Larry) of Orting and Greg Bedinger (Jan Mulder) of Bainbridge Island; two granddaughters, Kelly Rydberg and Julie Halpin (Dave); and four great grandchildren, Ashley, Marissa, Gabe, and Olivia. There will be a small gathering for family and friends at Carol's home in Poulsbo to celebrate her amazing life; 3:30PM, Sunday, November 2nd, 2014. Carol's favorite charity was the Children's Orthopedic Hospital, and she devoted countless hours working with the local guilds in Alaska and Washington. Please sign the online guest book for the family.