Mary Imelda Laiche Bickford Matthews

1939 - 2023

Mary Imelda Laiche Bickford Matthews, of Hammond, Louisiana, passed away on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at the age of 83. She was born on September 18, 1939, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Mary was a wonderful wife, mother, friend and coworker. She enjoyed cross stitching, traveling, reading, music, teas, British movies, casinos, and playing on her tablet which included coloring and puzzles.

Mary is survived by her children, Mary Karen Bickford, Pamela Dawn Bickford (David Crowe), and John Orville Bickford, Jr.; brother, Warren J. Laiche (Elizabeth); stepchildren, John V. Matthews, Jr. (Deidre – deceased), Laura K. Bigner (Alan), Lois M. Ballard (Dewayne), and Walter I. Matthews (Teia), sister-in-law, Jane F. Bickford; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews, cousins, step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, friends and all their families.

We are so blessed that GOD picked her to be our mother, relative, friend and she meant the world to each and every one of us. Rest easy in the arms of not only Jesus, but in the arms of all whom have been waiting for you. We love you and we will miss you.

Mary was preceded in death by her husbands, John O. Bickford, Sr. and John V. Matthews, Sr., her parents, Warren J. and Imelda Kugler Laiche; in-laws, John J. and Blanche Bickford; Ansil Bickford and Bonnie Bickford Burns.

Family and friends will be received at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, 2000 N. Morrison Blvd., Hammond, Louisiana 70401 on Saturday, September 23, 2023. Visitation begins at 9:30 am with a Memorial Service at 11:00 am with Pastor Deirdré Allen officiating.

Mary's final resting place will be at Sand Hill Cemetery in Ponchatoula, Louisiana.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Louisiana United Methodist Children's Fund at www.lumcfs.org/donate/ or the charity of your choice.

An on-line guest book is available at www.harry mckneely.com.