Mildred Jean Bidinger

Mildred Jean Bidinger

October 12, 1921 – April 7, 2018

Mildred Jean Bidinger passed into the presence of her Lord and Savior on April 7, 2018 at the age pf 96.

Jean was born in Grand Forks, B.C. on October 12, 1921 to Austin and Mary Mildred Pennoyer. Three years later, Jean was blessed with a Special brother Ross, with whom she had a strong and loving bond with throughout her life. They shared many happy childhood memories. Jean grew up in a home where their Christian Faith was the heart of the home and was lived by example.  Jean spent her childhood and youth in Grand Forks until 1942 where at the age of 21, she left to attend Western Pentecostal Bible College in Victoria, B.C.

After graduating, Jean and a girlfriend went into Pioneer Ministry, opening up new churches in Gibsons, Castlegar and Golden, B.C. for the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. During her ministry Jean did whatever needed to be done whether it was playing the organ, speaking, teaching Sunday School, helping with the children’s ministry, cleaning the church, visiting church members or taking someone to appointment.

It was during her ministry in Golden that she met the love of her life, Vernon Bidinger.  Upon “officially” ending her 20 years of service, they were married on October 18, 1965 in Trail B.C.

Vernon was in the logging industry and his work took them to various places.  From Prince George and Vernon, B.C., to Canmore and Caroline, Alberta.

At the age of 70, Vernon decided to retire, and Parkland Acres in Lacombe became their new home. They were involved in Lacombe Pentecostal Church, and volunteered to deliver Meals on Wheels within the community.

Jean and Vernon were a team in every aspect. She was a great support to him. Together they created a warm and inviting home where all who entered were made to feel welcome. Everyone always knew that coffee and cookies would be offered.

Jean was a creative person who loved Gospel music, scrapbooking, writing and painting. Even in her retirement, Jean still had the heart of ministry as she loved helping people and became a loyal friend and mentor to many. Jean spent the last five years in the Memory Care Cottage at Royal Oak Village in Lacombe where she received the most wonderful care from an amazing group of dedicated and compassionate caregivers. We as a family are so grateful for all the kindness that was shown to her while she was a resident. They were our Angels here on Earth.

The most important thing that Jean would want to be remembered for would be her unshakable faith and her love for her Lord.

Jean will be lovingly remembered by her sister-in-law; Melva(Ross) Pennoyer and their sons; Ron(Monique), Wayne(Bonnie) and Bernie; Vernon’s family, nephews; Marvin(Linda) Bidinger, Leslie(Sharon) Bidinger, Ron(Rosalina) Bidinger and niece; Barb(Danny) Graham. Other extended family includes; The Carlson, Winslow, McPhee and Taylor families. She was predeceased by her parents; Mildred and Austin, her husband of 47 years; Vernon (2013) and most recently, her beloved brother; Ross (2018).  

A Service to celebrate and honor Jean’s life will be held on Tuesday April 24, 2018 at 1:00 pm at the Lacombe Pentecostal Church with Pastor Mark Running officiating.