OBITUARY: Carol Langley Bedell

Carol Langley Bedell, a woman of deep faith and love for her family, was welcomed home by Jesus as she passed away on July 18, 2011, at her home in Pleasanton after a 16-month battle with ovarian cancer. She was 67 years old.

Growing up, Carol moved frequently as part of an Air Force family.

Among her favorite postings was three years in Spain. While she had few “roots” in her early years, she developed deep roots in Pleasanton when she and husband, Terry, moved here to join Clorox in 1975. 

Finding a church home at Pleasanton Presbyterian (now ) was a blessing and has filled Carol’s life and family with joy for their entire 36 years here.

At church, her passions were Bible study and the annual women’s retreat, which she organized and led for 10 years. Persevering to the end, she attended the retreat with her daughters this past April. 

She was elected both an elder and a deacon at Centerpointe, serving two stints on the elder board. Carol also was a member of the church nominating committee, a key role in which she excelled because she made a point of getting to know as many people as possible.      

The only thing more important to Carol than her church family and friends was the special place that she held in her heart for her husband, children and grandchildren. 

Carol and Terry’s marriage was an example for all; they loved each other unconditionally and supported each other through all of life’s celebrations and challenges. Carol’s mantra was "Joy Always," which she lived out with amazing energy and commitment. 

Carol and Terry were blessed with two daughters, Sharon and Jen. 

Carol was an amazing mom and was able to transition from that role into that of a mentor and finally a friend to both girls as they grew up and began their own families. She was their confidant, biggest fan, shoulder to cry on, and best friend to laugh with – not to mention shop with. She was the mom that everyone wanted to have. She was a true encourager to many others as well and readily expanded her family circle to include her kids' friends and other young people, many of whom still call her Mom today.

 Carol’s titles were many – daughter, sister, wife, mother, teacher, Campfire Girl’s leader, mentor, and friend, but her most joyful title was Grandmommy. The years were full of family vacations, family reunions – keeping her family as close as possible to her parents and brothers scattered across the country.

Carol was an amazing and loving wife, mother, Grandmommy, and friend. Her working life included being a teacher in Delaware, New Jersey, Missouri, and Texas and then, after moving to Pleasanton, she spent five years running The Old School House, a shop owned by kindergarten teacher and dear friend Betty Fuller.

After the store closed, she joined a law firm in Pleasanton and worked as the office manager for 14 years before retiring in 1998.

Carol was a woman of determination. Over the last few years, including the time she was fighting cancer, she made numerous trips to celebrate family occasions. Earlier this year after a two-week hospital stay, she told the medical team that she was going home on Saturday so she could be in her familiar second-row seat at the Sunday worship service at Centerpointe.

She loved Christian praise and gospel music. She and Terry were “Gaither Groupies,” travelling far and wide to see Christian music legend Bill Gaither and many other artists. They made six Gaither cruises and attended countless concerts across the country. Their music and video collection is extensive.

She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Terry; daughters Sharon Kuhfal (Mike) of Pleasanton, Jen Shackelford of Pleasanton; her parents, Edwin and Virginia Langley of Woodlands, Texas; brothers John Langley of Plano, Texas, Bill Langley and Rick Langley, both of Woodlands, and Bob Langley of Glastonbury, Connecticut; grandchildren Daniel and Allie Kuhfal, and Zack and Sarah Shackelford all of Pleasanton; and numerous nieces and nephews. She will also be greatly missed by her many wonderful friends, especially her soulmate, Donna Mattie.

The memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 3:30 pm August 27 at Centerpointe Presbyterian Church, 3410 Cornerstone Court, Pleasanton. 

In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for contributions in her memory to the Carol Bedell Joy Fund at Centerpointe Presbyterian Church, 3410 Cornerstone Ct., Pleasanton, CA 94566.