Minnie Bickford

Tilton - Minnie Glendowyn Bickford, age 82, of Tilton, peacefully departed her earthly life for the arms of Jesus on Monday, April 8, 2013. She was the daughter of the late Arthur Rollins and Marion Claremont, and was born on May 30, 1930. Minnie was born in Colebrook and grew up in Gilmanton, where she lived on a farm and attended school with her brothers and sisters. In 1948, at the age of 18, she married her lifelong love, Donald A. Bickford and Tilton became their home. She gave birth to seven children and was a thoroughly devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Over the years, Minnie was employed at the Tilton Leather Shop and Spinnaker Contract Manufacturing in Tilton. She enjoyed singing, Bingo, and flea markets and, along with Donald, had an extensive knowledge of antiques. Minnie collected cookie jars and at one time had over 100 of them lining the cupboards and shelves of her home. Minnie was a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Tilton, and her relationship with God was vital to her. She was a stalwart example of faith, love, and self-giving and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Minnie is survived by Donald A. Bickford, her husband of 64 years; her children, David Bickford and wife Janet of Tilton, Dennis Bickford and wife Connie of Meredith, Douglas Bickford and wife Donna of Franklin, Linda Morris and husband Bobby of Manchester, Richard Bickford and wife Joan of Pembroke, Randy Bickford and wife Robin of Franklin, and Theresa Ludwick and husband Daniel of Tilton; sisters Dorothy Gagne of New Hampshire, Bernice (Forsyth) Blais of North Carolina, Florence Jewett of Texas; brother Harvey Uhlenberg of Florida; and her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be on Monday, April 15, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at St. Mary of the Assumption Church on 16 Chestnut Street in Tilton, followed by a service there at 10:00 AM. Burial will be held at 11:30 AM at the New Hampshire State Veteran's Cemetery, 110 D.W. Highway, Boscawen, New Hampshire. Following the burial, a reception/ will be held at the vestry building behind St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Tilton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Franklin Visiting Nurses and Hospice at 75 Chestnut Street, Franklin, NH, 03235. Paquette-Neun Funeral Home ( www.neunfuneralhomes.com ) is Northfield is assisting with arrangements.