RUMFORD — Nellie D. Bickford, 81, a resident of Rumford Community Home, formerly of East Wilton, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Sept. 29.

She was born May 24, 1929, in Strong, a daughter of Marshall and Nellie (Stevens) Douglass and received her education in Stratton schools. On June 25, 1947, she married Paul E. Bickford Sr. and they made their home in East Wilton, where they happily raised their three sons and daughter. Mr. Bickford died May 19, 2008.

Nellie and her family enjoyed camping on the coast in their camper with family and friends. After retiring from Forster Manufacturing in 1990, she and her husband became snowbirds and wintered in Arizona. She loved their time there meeting new people and gaining wonderful friends.

She is survived by three sons, Paul Bickford Jr. and his wife, Priscilla, of Peru, Marvin Bickford and his friend, Joann, of Rumford and Terry Bickford and his friend, Eva, of Rumford; a daughter, Lisa (Bickford) Leeman and her husband, Todd, of Texas; a sister, Dora Austin of South Paris; 12 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Rumford Community Home for taking great care of Nellie.

Words of condolences and tributes may be shared with the Bickford family at www.wilesrc.com.