NEW BEDFORD — Olive May Laycock, 98, of Acushnet, passed away Tuesday, March 5, 2013, at St. Luke's Hospital after a brief illness. She was the wife of the late James Arthur Laycock and sister of the late Harry Shorrock and John Shorrock along with his wife, Ada.
Born in Toronto, Canada, Olive moved to Acushnet when she was 15. She was a bookkeeper in the offices of Aerovox and Poyant Signs and prior to World War II she was an active farmer. She was busy in town government, community organizations and nearly every other activity that has gone on in Acushnet over the past several decades. Olive was a member of the Long Plain United Methodist Church for over 82 years. Although she held many roles in the Church, her favorite was to be the official greeter which entailed giving everyone who walked through the door a hug.
Olive was a longtime member of the Acushnet Historical Society at the Long Plain Museum in Acushnet. She was always involved with the preparation of the apple/peach cobblers and shortcakes for the Apple Peach Festival. Olive also watched over the museum when open on Sundays throughout the summer months with tours of the museum. She was a longtime member of the Quaker Friends Meetinghouse where a tree blossoms every year that has been dedicated in her name. As one of the founders of the ACTION committee in town, she would actively participate in their clean-ups right up until her 90th birthday in 2004.
Olive enjoyed perfecting her many gardens around her home and cheering on her grandkids while never missing one of their games. Later in life, her dear friend June White gave her the freedom she always enjoyed by taking her on their weekly shopping adventures. Olive was proud to be able to watch her beloved Red Sox finally win the World Series.
She is survived by her son James Arthur Laycock Jr. and his wife Anna, grandson James Arthur Laycock III and his wife Ashley, granddaughter Kristen Antonio and husband Matthew along with her great-grandson Brice Louis Antonio. Her family also includes her nieces Connie Shorrock and Amy Gove and nephew Steven Shorrock and his wife Melanie.
Visiting hours will be Friday, March 8, from 4 to 7 p.m. at The Wilson Funeral Chapel located at 479 County Street, New Bedford, MA. Funeral service will be on Saturday, March 9, at 1 p.m. at the Long Plain United Methodist Church, 1215 Main St., Acushnet MA, followed by a reception at the church hall.