Obituary of Nancy Ann Bickford

Nancy Ann Atkinson was born in Monroe, Michigan on October 25, 1941. She was the oldest of three daughters born from the union of Clifford “Robert” and Agnes “Florence” (Duvall) Atkinson. She attended classes later obtaining her GED with Monroe Public Schools.

Nancy married James Grames and together the couple was blessed with the birth of three children: enjoying many years of marital bliss until his passing.   Eventually, Nancy, found love again being swept off her feet by Hugh Bickford.

To help provide for her family, Nancy, took employment as a cleaning assistant and home care worker for MCOP (Monroe County Opportunity Program) for many years.  A hard worker, Nancy, was always concerned on whether or not her work was satisfactory. In fact, she was even once named Employee of the Year.

Nancy was a “collector” although her family lovingly referred to her as a hoarder.  Somehow over the course of many years she had accumulated more than 1500 Beanie Babies and over 400 dolls.   To add to the mayhem, Nancy, would often get mesmerized by the Kmart blue light specials picking up other trinkets and treasures that happened to be listed as the daily sale.

Nancy was also well known to have a sweet tooth.  She enjoyed indulging on junk food and sugary treats such as, Suzie Q’s, cookies, cake, and cheesecake.

When Nancy made time for herself it was usually to watch her favorite shows on television.   From crime shows like NCIS and Law & Order, the soap opera drama of General Hospital, to the quirky animated Looney Tunes.  When she was not catching up on her shows, she was certainly caught up reading a good book or two, and when, Nancy, completed her task she tore off the cover and saved it.

Nancy Ann Bickford, age 80, of Dundee passed away at Fountain View of Monroe surrounded by their loving and caring staff.   Her passing was preceded by her parents; her first husband: James Grames; her second husband: Hugh Bickford; a son: Ricky Grames; and a brother-in-law: Gerald “Gerry”.

To cherish her memory, she leaves two children: Stan (the late Sherri) Grames, Vicki Grames (Jimmy Guyor); two sisters: Linda (Ed) Clark and Judy A. Missler; four grandchildren: Christopher Grames, Melody Grames, Michelle Stein, and Michael Carr III; and two great grandchildren:  Emma Stein and Hailie Swisher.

Friends may gather on Tuesday; May 3, 2022, from 11:00am until the time of a Celebration of Her Life at 1:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, Dundee; 297 Tecumseh Street, Dundee, Michigan