Nora Tierney Bedford

Nora Tierney Blackford-Bedford, beloved mother to Meghan Bedford (23) and Emily Bedford (20), of Haymarket Virginia, passed away peacefully at the age of 54 on July 12, 2024, after a fierce battle with ovarian cancer. Nora maintained her zest for life, sense of humor, kindness, compassion, love of family and friends and gratitude for life until her untimely passing. Nora was born in Port Jefferson, New York in 1970 to Noreen and Gerard Blackford and grew up in Shoreham, New York. Nora attended Shoreham Wading River High School before studying Special Education, receiving her bachelor’s degree at Dowling College and master’s degree from George Washington University. She pursued her life’s passion in Special Education. Nora remained in the Northern Virginia area as a teacher and mom, helping countless children and being a staunch supporter of children with autism spectrum disorder. Nora was a beloved mother. Her girls meant everything in the world to her. She loved everything about being their mother and loved their lives and friends as her own. She always said her daughters were “her world”. She took special joy in everything they did, from dance to sports and spoke with her girls multiple times a day no matter where they were. Nora found happiness with her fiancé, Rick Loy. In addition to her love for Rick, they both shared a passion for the water and everything about it. She particularly enjoyed spending time on the boat with Rick. She affectionately referred to him as “Rick Boat”. Nora never met a stranger. She had a bubbly personality and a contagious smile that lit up the room and her door was always open. There was mischief and fun wherever she went. Nora will always be remembered for her unwavering love for her girls, her kindness, compassion and welcoming nature. She will be missed by her friends and family every day. Her memory will live on through all of those who knew and loved her. Nora was preceded in death by her father Gerard Blackford. She is survived by her daughters Meghan Bedford and Emily Bedford, fiancé Rick Loy, her mother Noreen Blackford, her siblings Michael (Barbara) Blackford, Terry (Virginia) Blackford and Maribeth Blackford, nephews Ryan (Chelsea) Blackford, Brendan Blackford, Jarryd Blackford, Zachary Blackford and niece Bernadette Blackford, as well as many friends and extended family members who will miss her dearly. All are welcome to celebrate the life of Nora Blackford-Bedford. The funeral mass will be held on Friday July 26 at 10:30 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church (8213 Linton Hall Road, Gainesville, VA) with interment to follow at Benedictine Sisters Place of Peace Columbarium (9535 Linton Hall Road, Bristow VA). Celebration of Life Reception to be held after interment at the family home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to support Nora’s daughters. https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-nora-bedford-support-for-her-daughters?qid=eca660da4353a5b1bb8b5730578c29c0

Nora Tierney Bedford

March 10, 1970 - July 12, 2024