Marianne Bedell

Marianne Bedell
August 23, 1949 – May 14, 2025

On Wednesday, May 14, 2025 Marianne (Mimi) Bedell, of Upper Arlington, Ohio tragically and
unexpectedly passed at the age of 75.

Marianne was born on August 23, 1949, in Wheeling, West Virginia. During her childhood, the
Dennis family moved from Martins Ferry to the west side of Columbus, Ohio. She graduated
from West High School in 1967, where she was a proud member of the Girl Scouts, the West
High Cowboys girls’ basketball team, and Job’s Daughters, serving as Honored Queen of her
Bethel.

She went on to earn an Associate’s degree from Columbus Business University, where she met
the love of her life, John. Marianne worked as a legal secretary at Vorys, Sater, Seymour and
Pease LLP.

Marianne was a devoted mother and grandmother, and the heart of our family. She gave her all
to her three children and seven grandchildren, serving as a room mother, PTO president, Girl
Scout leader, Den Mother, Director of “Camp Mimi,” and President of the Upper Arlington
Wrestling Boosters. She never missed a moment—from volleyball, softball, soccer,
cheerleading/basketball games to wrestling matches, dance recitals, musicals, track meets and
more—always in the front row, cheering the loudest.

Her passion for children extended to her career. She worked as a teacher’s aide at Windermere
Elementary School from 1990 to 2000, and then as co-director of the SACC (School-Age Child
Care) program until her retirement in 2007. From there, she seamlessly transitioned into one of
her greatest joys—helping care for her grandchildren.

Marianne cared for her husband John with deep love and dedication, performing his dialysis at
home for seven years. Her unwavering devotion during those years was a testament to the
strength of their bond.

She was an extraordinary homemaker—an avid and talented knitter, a gifted gardener who kept
her yard full of color and life, and an exceptional cook who brought everyone together around
her table. Whether it was hosting holidays, organizing family gatherings, or traveling to visit her
children wherever they lived, she was the steady, joyful center of our lives.

Marianne also had a special love for animals, especially her beloved dog, Piper, who rarely left her side.

Anyone who knew Marianne knew her boundless energy, love of people, gift for conversation,quick humor, and deep, unwavering love for her family.

She is survived by her children, Dr. Laura (James) Garish, John Matthew Bedell (Dr. Geraldine Botte), and Ashley Bedell (Lisa Hudson); grandchildren Lily, Ellyse, and Grace Garish, Geri and Andrea Bedell, John and Julian Bedell, and Noah Essig; and brothers Samuel Young Dennis, Jr. and John Dennis.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John, and her parents, Samuel Y. and Violet Dennis.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 20 at 11 a.m. at The First Community Church, 3777 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43221.

A private family burial will take place at Oak Dale Cemetery in Urbana, Ohio.