Carrie Bickford

Carrie Musselman Bickford, age 67, a resident of Cocoa, Florida, passed away peacefully in her home Sunday, March 15, 2026.

Carrie Musselman Bickford made her entrance on June 8, 1958, in Cleveland, Ohio to Dale “Mick” Musselman and Mary Ziegler Musselman. She was the oldest of four siblings, with whom she shared an active childhood. From Ohio to California, Carrie and her family could often be found on the road in their VW camper, traveling to the Redwoods, Lake Tahoe, and San Francisco, along with her grandparents’ cottage on Leesville Lake. Carrie would continue this tradition of family road-trips with her brother David on the long drive from Cleveland to Fort Meyers, Florida for many winters.

Carrie’s childhood was one of full summers. As a young girl, summers would find her at the tennis club or recreation center with her brother, Dave, and later with Andrew, too. Full days were spent at swim team practices, tennis lessons, and open swim afternoons, with quick lunch and a snack-bar soda break in between. (It should be noted that Carrie, above all else, loved a cold drink. The ice machine, frankly, hated to see her coming). Carrie would also spend her summers with her sister Susan, sunbathing by their pool in refrigerator boxes lined with tin foil or with tin foil-covered tri-fold albums held close to their chins: Carrie was nothing if not inventive.

Carrie was born with a song in her heart, the tune of which could be heard throughout all areas of her life. She was a beautiful singer and talented musical theatre actress: skills which landed her the lead roles in her high school musicals Show Boat and Anything Goes. This musicality, along with her love for movement, led Carrie to a longtime love of jazzercize. Through which, to the surprise of none, she earned many achievements and created many friendships.

After graduating from Chagrin Falls High School in 1976, Carrie followed in the footsteps of her parents to Ohio Wesleyan University, from which she graduated in 1980 with a degree in communications.

In 1989, Carrie married Robert Bickford and followed him across the Pacific Ocean to the island of her heart, Kwajalein Atoll. It was on Kwajalein that Carrie welcomed her “beautiful bouncing baby boys,” Connor Talmage and Patrick Spence Bickford. It was apparent to all that Connor and Patrick were Carrie’s true loves, and the pride of her life. She was a wonderfully caring mother who passed onto her sons her unmatched wit and conversational skills, her love of a good book, and her expertise in the kitchen. (Although Carrie’s Chicken Divan and Congo Bars will never be rivaled). From their daily conversations to frequent meals spent outdoors in the sun, Carrie’s joy could be found in time spent with her sons.

Carrie is predeceased by both her mother and father, her brother, Andrew Musselman, and her decades-long four-legged buddy, Jeter.

She is survived by her sons, Connor Bickford (Becca) of Melbourne, FL, and Patrick Bickford (Abbigail) of Tallahassee Florida; brother David Musselman (Johanna) of Scituate, MA; sister Susan Sanders (Tony) of Milton, GA; nieces Sarah Hart (Eric) and Ansley Sanders; nephews Carson and Asher Sanders; great-nieces Avery and Harlow Hart, and a truly endless number of close friends, both furry and not.

As Carrie takes her final bow, she begins her next act of endless stories, beautiful songs, and eternal friendships. Carrie’s soul was not a simple one; the vibrant complexity of who she was filled every room she entered. In her absence, we are left with an unimaginable silence, and a natural inclination to seek her presence wherever it can be found.

Carrie can be found in the gentle breeze through an open window. She can be found in those who give comfort, and those who need it. She can be found in every dog you meet, with no exceptions. Carrie can be found in a classic red manicure, a beautiful rare steak, and a quick-witted joke. And, above all else, Carrie can be found in the memories she leaves us with. They are vivid and unforgettable, just as she was and always will be.

The family will host a private, intimate gathering in honor of Carrie’s life. Details of a future celebration of life for all who loved her to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Riley’s Rescue of Brevard in honor of Carrie.