SOUTH PARIS – Heather Lynn Bickford, 31, of Canton, died, Jan. 1, 2019, in South Paris.

She was born on, Oct. 9, 1987, in Lewiston, the daughter of, John E. Bickford and Tammy (Meader) Bickford.

Heather attended local schools, graduating from Buckfield High School in 2007.

Most recently Heather worked as a CRMA/DSP for Opportunity Enterprises in Auburn providing in home care.

Heather very courageously handled her daughter, Emily, being born 10 weeks early. They spent seven weeks in the Barbara Bush hospital. Many nights Heather stayed at the Ronald McDonald House in Portland so she could be near her baby. Dana, Heather and Emily suffered another blow when Emily was diagnosed with cancer at the age of three. Heather stoically gave her all to Emily as she fought for eight months through chemo treatments and radiation. Once again she relied on Barbara Bush Hospital and the Ronald McDonald house for help and support. While Heather had tons of support from family and the community for these events, the fact is that she spent many nights worrying about her child and many nights alone at the Ronald McDonald house. She never complained and rarely left Emily’s side during those times.

Heather and her sister, Sarah, were best buddies together. They would go the movies or sneak off for an ice cream. They probably put 100,000 miles on each of their vehicles just driving around together. Heather leaned on Sarah for comfort and help with raising Emily and Maddilynn. They went together to just about all of Emily’s appointments. They were soul sisters.

In more recent years Heather enjoyed activities like going to the movies, playing disc golf and PoGo. Heather especially loved spending time near water. It was a source of joy and comfort. She spent a lot of time at Canton Lake and more recently had discovered a love for the ocean. Heather also loved Christmas. She could watch Christmas specials year-round.

All of these things are true, but the real essence of Heather was that she was a people person. Everyone knew Heather. She always had a smile and an infectious laugh. It was nothing to see her at Walmart or Hannaford, the waitresses at 99 and Applebees knew her “usual” burger. Heather was a true and loyal friend. She was not one to get caught up in gossip. She loved going to family events and made everyone feel like they were family. Heather enjoyed the simple things in life much more than anything material.

Ultimately Heather’s greatest passion was time spent with her longtime soulmate, Dana Hill, and their children, Emily and Maddilynn Hope Hill. Heather and Dana found a peace and contentment together. He was her Noah and she was his Allie.

Heather is survived by her children; her father, John Bickford of Canton; her mother, Tammy Bickford and her fiancé, Gary Guertin of Sanford; her sister, Sarah Bickford of Canton; maternal grandparents, Jean Bedard of Sanford and Norman Meader of Canton and Nancy Kenney of Canton; paternal grandmother, Nellie Bickford of Canton; good friend, Nathan “Woody” Wade of Buckfield; many aunts, uncles and cousins.  She was predeceased by her paternal grandfather, Ray Bickford; maternal great grandparents, Delmont and Eleanor Davenport.

A co-celebration of her and Dana Hill’s lives will be held, 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019, in the Buckfield High School gymnasium.

Arrangements are in the care of the Chandler Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 45 Main St., South Paris.  Condolences and tributes may be shared with their families at www.chandlerfunerals.com.

If anyone would like to make donations, Heather would love it if you chose Ronald McDonald House. She was grateful for Barbara Bush Hospital and Make-a-Wish foundation but Ronald McDonald House is what saw her through the long dark nights.

Safe Voices hotline

(800) 559-2927

Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence hotline

(866) 834-4357

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