Stephen and Marie Bedard moved to Hollingsworth Park a little over a year ago to be closer to their youngest grandchild.  While that sounds like a simple story, the path that brought them to Ruskin Square featured life on a Mediterranean island, in our nation’s capital, and in one of the most beautiful cities in America.

Steve was born in Denver, Colorado, and grew up in Santa Maria, California.  He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.  Marie was raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Widener University in Chester, Pennsylvania.  They met in Philadelphia when they were both employed by the Navy at the Naval Aviation Supply Office.

“Right after we were married in 1988, Steve was deployed to La Maddalena, a small island off the coast of Sardinia, Italy,” Marie says.  “In some ways, it was like being on a honeymoon for six months.  La Maddalena had the first Club Med, nothing like today’s vacation sites. Tourists stayed in rustic campsites on the side of the hills and bathed in the sea.  We only had running water every other day because the water pipe from Sardinia had broken years before. However, Steve was on a ship that produced its own water. We lived in two different worlds.

“When we were there, Steve worked on his ship, and I lived among civilians. I had never traveled outside the U.S. before, and I had the best adventures with other young women my age whose husbands were stationed there.  To live in a foreign country and learn Italian and make friends with the local people was a fun cultural experience.”

Their time in Washington, D.C., moved at a busier pace. Steve served as liaison to the Department of Defense, the Office of Management and Budget, and the U.S. Congress on the staff of the Assistant Secretary of Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition for undersea warfare programs service.  Marie worked for several contractors where her clients ranged from the American Red Cross, the Ballistic Missile Defense Office, the Joint Program Office for Biological Defense, and the Federal Aviation Authority.

“We had a great professional life,” she says.  “However, we did not care for how political people were. Upon Steve’s retirement from the Navy, we wanted to go further South.” 

Their wish came true in 1997, when Steve became Chief Projects Officer for Charleston County, and Marie took a job as a consultant for Arthur D. Little.  In 1998, Steve became the CFO of the City of Charleston. 

“Steve worked closely with Mayor Joe Riley,” Marie says. “Together, they visited the White House and met with Congressional representatives. Charleston’s Waterfront Park and the massive drainage projects as well as the renovation of the Gaillard performance hall amongst many other projects were spear-headed by Mayor Riley.  They were a great team.” 

One of Steve’s most interesting positions in Charleston was cultural in nature.  The city’s Gaillard Municipal Auditorium and Exhibition Hall opened in 1968, but by the early 2000s, a new facility was needed.  Through a public-private partnership, philanthropist Martha Rivers Ingram and Mayor Riley opened the new Charleston Gaillard Center in 2015.  The opening gala concert featured celebrated cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Within the year, Steve transitioned from CFO of the City to President and CEO of the Gaillard Center.

  

“It was a grand affair,” Marie says.  “Over the years, we saw wonderful shows and met so many interesting entertainers. In November, we are looking forward to the 10-year anniversary celebration concert featuring Grammy Award winner Gregory Porter.” 

Steve retired from the Gaillard and from a College of Charleston adjunct professorship in 2021. In 2024, Marie retired from the NIWC Defense Health IT Systems Division.  After 30+ years in Charleston, they moved to Greenville to be close to their daughter, Stephanie Bedard Kyle, son-in-law Jordan, and granddaughter Layla, age 17 months.  The Bedards’ son, Navy veteran David Bedard, and daughter-in-law Mallory live in Alexandria, Virginia.  Daughter Ali Weathers and son-in-law Landrum live in Bowman, South Carolina, with grandchildren Ren, age 11, and Anna, age 8.

“Being near Stephanie and her family is the reason we are in Greenville,” Marie says.  “We hosted Ali, Ren, and Anna last week in Greenville. When Ren and Anna were very young, we didn’t see them as often, so the time we spend with them now is incredibly special. It is a privilege to talk with them, know them, and enjoy time together and encourage them in all things.

“With Layla, we are experiencing the milestones that we were so busy for when our own children were growing up. As a grandparent you can focus on the little joys and forgive any bumps in the road. We have more grace. That Layla recognizes us and wants to hug and kiss us is overwhelming. I may sound ridiculous, but I keep saying things to her like, ‘I am going to do  x and y with you for the rest of your life,’ things like pulling her out of daycare for Kindermusik and ice cream, a couple of hours at the pool, her first Uncrustable, and sleepovers.” 

While family time and travel are retirement goals, Steve and Marie have not retired from the things they love.  Steve recently joined the Board of the Greenville Symphony and is on the National Board of the Military Officers Association of America.  Marie joined the Junior League of Greenville.

“At Stephanie’s recommendation, I joined the League to identify opportunities to volunteer.  Most members are coming out of college or are early in their careers and are looking for personal and professional development and leadership opportunities. Though I'm older than most, I enjoy being with people of different ages and backgrounds. I admire the work that these ladies put in, often coming from the office, leaving small children at home, and then volunteering to do more for their community. I am serving on the Community Enrichment committee for the year 2025-2026. I met one of my closest friends at Junior League, and for that connection alone, I will always be grateful.” 

The Bedards are also active members of Fourth Presbyterian Church.  Steve serves on the Finance Committee.  Marie is part of Doorway Disciples, a group which welcomes members before Sunday Services.  She’s also on the Fellowship Committee, planning and executing social events.

 

After years of memorable experiences, the Bedards are happily settled in Ruskin Square, among the very nicest and welcoming neighbors. The community’s walkability and proximity to the park and pool are reminiscent of their life in Charleston’s Daniel Island.  The cherry blossoms in Legacy Park remind them of the time they spent in Washington, D.C.  They’ve even found an international flavor in their new community. 

“Anna and I were walking in the park last weekend, and I pointed out the number of people speaking multiple languages. This is the diversity that I appreciate. Come out on a Sunday and you will meet people of Chinese, Japanese, French, German, Italian and Hispanic descent. I feel that to be a better human in this world, you must interact and learn from people of the world.”