Gail L. Bickford

Gail Lancaster Bickford, age 83, passed away peacefully in her Walpole, Massachusetts home on Saturday, November 16th, 2019, surrounded by her loving family.  Born in Boston on April 11, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Donald and Dorothea Lancaster. 

 

After graduating from Brookline High School, Gail pursued a degree in teaching at the Perry Normal School and Boston University. She began her working life as a classroom teacher in Boston Public Schools and Walpole Public Schools as a grade-school teacher. In 1965 she married Joseph J. F. Bickford. Gail taught for several years before taking time off to raise her three daughters: April, Amy, and Rachel. In 1984, she received a master’s degree in social work (MSW) from Boston College. Gail was a practicing clinical social worker at the Brockton Multi-Service Center and other places for many years.

 

After retiring, she and Joe spent many winters in Bonita Springs, Florida with her sister Dona Stumpek, brother in law Richard Stumpek, her brother Robert Lancaster and sister in law Christine Lancaster. Gail loved all of her grandchildren who range in age from 13 to 23; Aaron, Monica, and Justin Lomba, Abby and Sam Edson, Max, Emma, and Molly Whitestone. She also enjoyed time with her “Club” group of women who met regularly for over 50 years. Gail also enjoyed spending time with Joe’s family in Maine.  She and Joe traveled extensively throughout the US and abroad including China, Italy, France, and England. For many years she was a frequent guest at Kripalu in Western MA.

 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Gail’s wake on Saturday, November 23, 2019, from 3 to 7pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. There will be a funeral service at 2 pm, at the First Congregational Church of Sharon on Sunday, November 24, 2019. In lieu of flowers, Gail's family is asking that people to donate to the Natick/Walpole VNA, 55 West Street PO Box 252 Walpole MA 02081, or at www.VNACare.org/donors.