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Sullivan's Funeral Home - Horseheads

365 East Franklin St. at Rt. 13

Horseheads, New York

Shirley Bickford Obituary

BICKFORD, Shirley S.

Formerly of Elmira, NY passed away after an extended illness in Vermont on Thursday, February 4, 2016 at the age of 92. Shirley was born on August 13, 1923 in Rochester, NY, a daughter of the late E. David and Lucille Fordham Shacter. She retired after 38 years as a librarian at Hendy Elementary School in Elmira. Shirley had a great love for her family, her cats, art, books, flowers, big band music, ballroom dancing, fancy jewelry, her students (her kids), spirituality and theatre. Shirley is survived by daughter, Linda McCracken from Marlow, NH; granddaughter- Karen (Matt) Cegielski; great granddaughters - Brenna and Kayla Cegielski, all from Bristol, CT; sister, Dawn (Todd) Shacter Dewey of Winter Garden, FL; niece, Rachael (Richard) Trimber Cravens of Winter Garden, FL; nephew, David (Amy) Trimber of Millport, NY; great nieces - Jocelyn Trimber, Riley and Reese Cravens; great nephews - Richard (Trey) Cravens III, Connor Trimber, Joseph Vrooman, Douglas Vrooman and several cousins. The family will welcome relatives and friends to Sullivan's Funeral Home, 365 E. Franklin St. at Rt. 13, Horseheads, NY on Tuesday, February 9, 2016 between the hours of 10:30AM and 12PM. Mrs. Bickford's Jewish Funeral Service will be held at 12 PM and a Spiritualist Service will follow at 12:30 PM. She will be laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery immediately following. Condolences and words of comfort may be expressed at Shirley's Book of Memories at www.sullivansfuneralhome.com.

Published by Star-Gazette on Feb. 7, 2016.
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Memories and Condolences
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Always my favorite librarian at Hendy Avenue. Stern,but could read us Mrs. piggle Wiggle and runaway Ralph with such enthusiasm and put smiles on our faces. She will truly be missed!

Jennifer Keller-Dowdle

May 18, 2016

william leskovec

April 6, 2016

And so with such busy lives somehow we become separated for long periods of time. I am Shirley's 1/2 2nd Cousin - my mother, Emma Jane Failing, Sprague, and maiden name Denney loved her dearly as they were very close especially when they were kids. We visited Aunt Lu, Uncle Dave, Linda and Dee Dee every summer "at the Lake" as kids and grew very fond of one another. I am of course saddened not to have made it to the funeral - I had no idea she passed until after the fact..Linda "friended me on Facebook" thank you Linda! or I would not be writing this. That's how I have reconnected with Linda and Dee Dee! So a blessing in the sorrow. I will never forget Shirley's smile and wonderfully loving way with us as kids. Mom's last words she ever said was "Shirley Shacter"..that's who she remembered her to be. Their hearts, as well as ours, are knit together forever. Love you forever Shirley!

Richard Failing

March 12, 2016

Shirley was a delightful woman that was always cheerful and very professional in just about everything she did. She looked very professional in her ballroom dancing. Felix and I are so sorry for you and your family at this difficult time.

February 9, 2016

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

February 8, 2016

I remember Mrs. Bickford from Hendy. I hope she'd like to know that Hendy's library was a very important place for me and I've been volunteering in libraries for many years. Rest in peace and my condolences to the family.

Poppet

February 7, 2016

Dawn, Linda,and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. Shirley was a very special lady and will be missed by many. She made an impact on many young lives.

Barb Lord

February 7, 2016

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Sullivan's Funeral Home - Horseheads

365 East Franklin St. at Rt. 13, Horseheads, NY 14845

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