ROCKLAND – Anita Bickford Young, 94, beloved wife of Raymond Young, passed away Jan. 17, 2010, in the arms of her daughter, at Penbay Medical Center. Anita was the third daughter of George and Mabel Bickford of Sabattus. Anita grew up in Auburn and attended Edward Little High School. After graduating she worked at Owen Mores Department Store and lived on Park Avenue, Portland. During this time she met her husband, Raymond, at Old Orchard Beach and after a whirlwind courtship of just a few months, they married and were together for 63 years. When they were first married they lived in a little apartment on Union Street, but later built their house together on Washington Street and lived there ever since. They had many wonderful times together from honeymooning at Niagara Fall, to camping with friends for many years in such places as Beaver Brook with her brother, Bernard and his wife, Margie; Mic Mac Cove and Pemaquid with neighbors, Bud and Helen Hallowell; and Sandy Shores with friends, Hollis and Barbara Blastow. Things were not always good – they had hardships too, like losing their two boys at birth, which brought out Anita’s inner strength and endurance qualities her family and friends also respected very much about her. Anita kept house and worked occasionally to raise extra money for special times like Christmas, but mostly stayed home and raised their daughter, Deborah. Anita enjoyed crafts of many kinds, including stitching on plastic canvas, crochet and knitting gifts for family. She also tried her hand at ceramics at one time years ago with friends, always with thoughts of gifts for family in mind. Anita, who was always thoughtful and loving to friends and family, is best known for her cheerful attitude and sweet disposition. She never had an unkind word for anyone and was always there when anyone of us needed her. These qualities endeared herself to all of us that loved her. In addition to her parents, Anita was predeceased by her siblings, Bernard Bickford, Maude Worthing and Zelma Leighton. She is survived by her husband, Raymond; and her loving daughter, Deborah Rancourt and her husband, Jeffrey, of Bremen; four grandchildren, Jeremiah Rancourt and wife, Lisa, of Hermon, Rene Henderson and her husband, Todd, of South China, Zachary Rancourt and Arielle Rancourt, of Bremen; and one delightful grandchild, Cole Alan, son of Rene and Todd Henderson. Visiting hours will be held 6-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22, at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St., Rockland, where services will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23. Everyone is invited for refreshments after the services to the Young’s home, 19 Washington Street. If you prefer, instead of flowers, donations may be sent to the Salvation Army, 65 South Park St., Bangor, ME 04401.
ANITA BICKFORD YOUNG
