Margaret “Peggy” Bickford May 9, 1938 - February 20, 2022

May 9, 1938 ~ February 20, 2022

On February 20, 2022 Margaret Bickford passed away peacefully at the age of 83.  Margaret””or Peggy, as she was known to friends””was born in Erie, Pennsylvania on May 9, 1938.  She graduated as a registered nurse from Hamot School of Nursing in 1959.  While working as a nurse at Hamot Hospital, she agreed to a blind date with a young veterinary student, Art Bickford.  The date was a success.  Peggy and Art were married on July 18, 1960. At the time of Peggy’s passing, they had been married for over 61 years.  They were blessed with 3 daughters, Carolyn, Patty and Andrea. 

Art’s profession led them to live in many different cities over the first half of their marriage.  Peggy became an expert at settling the household and children into each community so that life continued to function seamlessly for all.  While Peggy was an exceptional wife and mother, she was also a “surrogate mother” to many””loving, helping and mentoring friends, neighbors and their children.  After their children were grown, in 1984 Peggy and Art settled into the community of Turlock, California.  They thrived in Turlock and developed many wonderful friendships over the years.  Peggy no longer worked as a professional nurse, but she continued to devote herself to the care of others.  She volunteered in multiple capacities at Emanuel Medical Center including working in the gift shop and mother-baby unit.

She was an active member of PEO, an international women’s philanthropic organization that supports the advancement of women through education and scholarships.  She loved animals, especially her sweet dogs. She was an avid reader, enjoyed attending book clubs and social outings with the Red Hat ladies.  Her biggest joy was being grandmother to Alex, Matt, Dan, and Kathryn. Visits to Grandma in Turlock were always fun, filled with fort-making, dress-up, games, cookie baking, and trips to the park.  She will be missed by all. 

Margaret is preceded in death by her parents Harold and Frances Nash, brothers Harold Jr and Robert Nash, and oldest daughter Carolyn Bellanca. She is survived by her husband Arthur Bickford, daughters Patricia Abele and Andrea Dothage; sons-in-law Michael Bellanca, Keith Dothage, and Shaun Whitaker; grandchildren Alexandra Abele, Matthew Bellanca, Daniel Bellanca and Kathryn Dothage; great grandchildren Isabella and Jameson Bellanca; and brother Charles Nash. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2022 beginning at 1 PM at Allen Mortuary in Turlock. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Community Hospice or the Alzheimer’s Association. 

A livestream of the service can be viewed by following this link: viewlogies.net