Nadine Beverly “Bev” Stedford, age 85 of Waldo, Maine, passed peacefully on April 3, 2026 at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine.

Bev was born January 12, 1941 in Boston, Massachusetts. Whenever crossing the Tobin Bridge, she would remind you that she had lived just two blocks from the Bunker Hill Monument. She was the only daughter of Joseph Rutkowski and Gertrude Henker Rutkowski and maintained a Boston-tinged accent until her departure.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Joel Stedford; her brother, Ralph “Chip” Chipman; her cherished aunt, Elizabeth Iandoli; and her dear sister-in-law, Winona Donohue.

Bev is survived by her husband of 69 years, Dennis Stedford, as well as her daughter, Leslie Nolan (Michael Nolan) of Wakefield, Rhode Island; her son, Toby Stedford (Jimmy Turner) of Northland, New Zealand; her beloved grandchildren, Samantha Stedford, AJ Stedford, Brendan Nolan and Allie Nolan Obering; and 6 great-grandchildren.

She began her nursing career, of which she was always proud, at South County Hospital in the early 1970s as an LPN. She earned her RN degree in 1980. Considering herself an “old school” nurse, she was known to give massages to her ailing patients. She retired from her charge nurse position at Waldo County General Hospital at age 79.

Prior to her nursing career, Bev had served as a troop leader for the Boy Scouts and Blue Birds organizations for several years. She enjoyed the creative element required to come up with activities or projects for her charges to complete during their meetings.

But most of all, Bev treasured being at the center of Thanksgiving gatherings that combined her love of being surrounded by family with her great cooking skills. She enjoyed travel for any reason, always eager to visit family, friends, a new place, or to just tag along on an adventure. She was nicknamed the “accidental tourist” by her family due to her knack for getting injured in the most unique ways during her travels. Her artistic and crafting talents came out in her painting, sewing, scrapbooking, crocheting, furniture refinishing and knitting. Bev was truly talented at anything she attempted to do. She could also make a snack cracker last longer than anyone, slowly nibbling while speed reading a good book or perusing online sites.

She will be missed dearly by those who knew and loved her, and her legacy will live on when we share our “Bev” stories or come upon a gift she lovingly created just for us.

Her family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the staff at the Maine Medical Center for the compassionate care, kindness and support they showed during an extremely difficult time.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date to honor Bev. Details will be shared separately. In lieu of flowers, enjoy an appetizer (her favorite “meal”) in her memory or make a donation to your favorite cause.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/nadine-stedford/obituary/

Copy