Peggy Bickford

On February 1, 2024, Peggy Bickford left this life for her Eternal Home to reunite with loved ones who have preceded her. Peggy was named Margaret Lenore Buchmann by parents Margaret and Leonard at birth in Paterson, New Jersey, March 2, 1925. She was raised with brothers Bob and Tom in the Baptist Church. After high school graduation she married fellow choir member Robert Longley Bickford August 14, 1943. WW2 took Bob to Manila with the Army Air Force. At war’s end, Bob returned to New Jersey where the Bickfords started their family of five in a new home. For 6 years they raised Bob Jr., Lois and Jane until the first of Bob’s transfer assignments as a Tech Rep with Bendix Aviation at Otis Air Force Base Cape Cod. Mass. Settled in Buzzard’s Bay in Falmouth, Peggy sang in church choir, headed PTA and worked as secretary for an elementary school principal. She took time for sewing with her girls, playing piano, golf and gardening. A one year interim assignment took the family to Springfield, Virginia, where Peggy planned excursions around the many historic sights of the nation’s capitol. Bob’s next transfer was to Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, CA. Weekends camping in the Sierras was a favorite family pastime and soon enough they were exploring the Cascades as Boeing brought them to Seattle, WA, a year and a half later. Children now grown and graduating, Peggy took the opportunity to pursue a teaching career at UW earning a BA. Next, while Bob worked for Lockheed in Palmdale, CA, she obtained a Masters in Special Education at Cal State Northridge. Her perseverance resulted in a Special Ed position in a classroom with lively special children. The Bickfords retired to Newport, OR, in 1990 to be closer to their Northwest family. Bob and Peggy were active members in the Presbyterian Church and its choir. Peggy belonged to the Presbyterian Women’s group, a local chapter of PEO, was a regular at Newport Symphony concerts; her writers group and volunteer at the Hatfield Marine Science Center. During this time she took delight in visits with their grandchildren and traveled around the world keeping journals wherever she went. A high point of her China travels opened the opportunity for a term to teach English to students at Xingtai University (Teacher’s College) where she made friends she corresponded with until her death. Her experience in China is shared in her book, “The Cuckoo Comes At Harvest”. Peggy was pre-deceased by her husband, Bob, her two brothers, Bob and Tom, and sons Bob, Jr. and Jim Maclin. Jr. She’s survived by her daughters, Lois Lederman (Duffy) of Newport and Jane Maclin of Stanwood, WA; grandchildren Katie Gesick (John) Lake Stevens, WA , David (Heather) Maclin Ewa Beach, HI; great-grandchildren James, Emily and Kassidy Gesick and Ian Maclin. We miss Peggy’s optimistic nature, curiosity, sense of adventure and how she lifted spirits. Her family wishes to express gratitude to Aging Wisely and the Caregivers and Staff at Oceanview Senior Living and thanks to Samaritan Evergreen Hospice medical staff and volunteers for their respect and compassion during our mom’s physical and spiritual transition. A Sunday service May 26, 2024,10AM will be held at Newport’s First Presbyterian Church on12th St.NE. followed by a gathering in Geneva Hall. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to P.E.O., First Presbyterian Church, Habitat For Humanity.

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Peggy Bickford

March 2, 1925 - February 1, 2024