Rash's Surname Index
Notes for Octavia Mary DU PONT
Octavia Mary du Pont Bredin, the 8th of 10 children of Irenée and Irene S. du Pont, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, April 15, 2006.
Octavia, known to everyone as "Tibi," was born June 22, 1913 and grew up in Wilmington, DE. Tibi, a poet, artist and writer, graduated class of 1931 from the National Cathedral School in Washington, DC.
In 1945, Tibi married J. Bruce Bredin and moved to Danbury CT. A few years later, they returned to Wilmington to raise what turned out to be a rather large family.
From her earliest days, Tibi kept journals and wrote poetry. They record a fascinating life and a fascination with life. Tibi was an early aviatrix, known for surprise landings in her Stinson 109 and a complete lack of fear. She was an adventuress who rode an Indian motorcycle and horses bareback, and who once climbed the scaffolding of St. Patrick's cathedral to look in the highest window. Fortunately, her adventuring drew attention to a first-class mind, and Tibi was recruited to do medical research during the Second World War. One of her many contributions to the war effort, she worked with Dr. Ariel in a New York City hospital, developing and preparing isotopes for radiation therapy treatments for cancer. Participants in any area of atomic research were not encouraged to talk about their experiences, and Tibi was no exception. But toward the end of her life she did tell stories about how hard it was to work with the lab animals. Tibi had a great empathy for animals and they were drawn to her. Later, this same spirit drew children who loved nothing more than spending a day exploring with Tibi. Unlike many grownups, Tibi never lost her imagination or gift for make believe. She and Bruce found a lifelong friend in Fred Rogers, who shared her desire and ability to make children calm and happy. Tibi loved nothing more than surprising a friend or family member with a particularly appropriate gift. Throughout a life filled with exploration, both local and foreign, she accumulated gifts for recipients as yet unknown, but who surely would become her friends. She also collected and read a vast number of books on subjects ranging from the sciences to theology, from politics to literature. Tibi would enjoy a brisk discussion with a friend who had deep knowledge in a particular field and she dedicated many journal entries to further thoughts on these talks. Tibi was a devoted mother and had infinite patience and love for all living creatures. She was a collector of the rare and peculiar, and she deeply appreciated art, literature, and the natural world.
She is survived and missed by her brother and sister-in-law, 6 children, 13 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and many friends.
Services will be private.
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