Florence L. Bickford

1922 - 2025

Florence L. (McCusker) Bickford

ORANGE, MA - Florence L. (McCusker) Bickford, 103, of Lincoln Avenue, died peacefully at home on Thursday evening, October 23, 2025, two days after her birthday.

Born in Cambridge on October 20, 1922, she was the daughter of the late Walter M. and Marylena (Silva) McCusker and moved to Billerica at age 9. Florence had attended St. Mary's School in Cambridge, Howe Jr. and Sr. High Schools in Billerica, graduating in 1940.

On February 27, 1943, Florence joined the WAVES of the United States Navy after her high school sweetheart, Arthur Bickford, left for Guadalcanal on December 7, 1941. While in the service, she attended Hunter College in New York and later the Indiana University for training in Navy Bookkeeping, earning SK(O)2C. She was honorably discharged on August 10, 1945 after being stationed in Norfolk, Virginia.

Florence married Arthur W. Bickford on January 14, 1945 upon his return from the Pacific Theater. They enjoyed 49 years of marriage until his death on January 5, 1994. They had moved to Orange in 1965 from Arlington when Arthur was transferred to cover Western Mass for the DPU.

Florence worked many years for Fireman's Fund Insurance Co. as secretary and bookkeeper for Home and Interstate Contracts.

Very active at St. Mary's Church in Orange, she was a member of the St. Mary's Women's Club as well as a Eucharistic minister, serving communion at Quabbin Valley Healthcare in Athol. She also taught CCD.

Florence received the Boston Post Cane in February 2024 from Orange Selectman Chair Tom Smith celebrating Florence becoming Orange's oldest member.

A lifetime member of the Orange Historical Society, Florence was also involved with the DARE program with Orange Police, the Orange Council on Aging and cooked for the Monday night suppers.

Florence is survived by her sons, David Bickford and his wife, Sara, of Myrtle Beach, SC, and Kevin Bickford, of Athol; grandchildren, Wayne Maciejewski, Craig Maciejewski, David Bickford Jr., Shelby Bickford and Thomas Bickford; great grandchildren, Katherine M. Maciejewski, Allison Maciejewski, Courtney Maciejewski, Sara Maciejewski, Adam Maciejewski, Cecelia Bickford and Sullivan Bickford; brother in law, Terry Maciejewski of Athol; nephews, Wayne Maciejewski, David Michael Bickford Jr., Craig Maciejewski, and Thomas Bickford; a niece, Shelby Bickford; and a cousin, Lynda Gutro; and Nancy and Terry's grandchildren, Katie, Courtney, Allie, Sara and Adam.

Besides her parents and husband, Florence was predeceased by a daughter, Nancy Maciejewski on January 15, 2014, and sons, Arthur W. Bickford Jr. on May 5, 2021 and Paul Bickford on September 21, 2025.

A calling hour will be held on November 3, 2025 from 10- 10:45 a.m. at Witty's Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on November 3, 2025 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, 19 Congress Street, Orange, with Fr. Mark Glover officiating.

Interment will follow in South Cemetery, Orange.

Florence wished for no flowers, just prayers.

Witty's Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

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