Carol M. (Johnson) Bickford, originally of Weymouth, MA, later of Concord, NH, Westminster, MA, and ultimately of Leominster, MA, peacefully succumbed to a fifteen-year courageous battle with vascular dementia on May 13 th at the age of 93.

Carol, who worked in the banking industry at Fitchburg Savings Bank, later served as an administrative substitute for the Leominster Public School System and was a devoted member of the Leominster High School Band Boosters. Throughout her life, she also worked as a semi-professional vocalist and, as an over-fifty-year member of Pilgrim Congregational Church, relished singing in church choirs and cantatas. In retirement, she continued playing bridge with her Westminster, MA, group of over fifty years and played and taught bridge at the Leominster Senior Center.

She is predeceased by her brothers, Charles Johnson (of Minnesota) and Russell Johnson (of Vermont), and her sister, Eleanor (Johnson) Drape (of Rhode Island).

She is also predeceased by the love of her life, Alfred (Bick) C. Bickford, originally of Epsom, NH. They were fortunate to celebrate fifty loving years together and are now reunited with one another and their dearest friends, Mike and Mary Sicliano of Leominster, Dick and Judy Hammerbeck of Leominster, and Syl and Richard (Jiggs) Ahlin of Westminster.

Carol is survived by her daughter and primary caregiver, Dr. Crystal Bickford of Webster, MA, who consistently fought for eldercare rights, Carol’s care, and the right to dignity.

Crystal would like to extend special thanks to those who called, checked in on them, and remained supportive throughout their battle. They are cherished, appreciated, and celebrated.

Donations to the Dementia Society of America may be made in lieu of flowers at www.dementiasociety.org.

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