SOUTH HIRAM- Anita Joyce Bickford Ricks passed away on May 1, 2023 in the loving home of John Leavitt, her long time friend and companion with whom she lived. Anita is preceded in death by her parents the late H Clifton Bickford and Dorothy Lovinia Bickford as well as her older brother Jon A Bickford of Oklahoma. She is survived by her sister Lilian Bell of Cornish, daughter Christina Costantino of New Jersey, son Jon Ricks of Kansas, three grandchildren Audrey, Brennan and Cambree and numerous nieces and nephews in Maine, New Jersey and Oklahoma.
Anita was born in East Parsonsfield in 1946. When she referred to her childhood, she spoke fondly of outdoor adventuring in a wooded area commonly referred to as “the sand pit.” She graduated as valedictorian of her class in 1965 from Porter High School. During her high school years she joined many clubs but it was the glee club that had a profound influence on her. She had a cherished and often requested singing voice. Music was a passion that provided much joy and comfort as her voice was clear and beautiful through to the end of her life.
Anita earned an associate degree from Casco Bay Community College and spent the greater part of her career working in secretarial capacities for various medical and education institutions. Later in life she worked as a home health aide. Her pastimes included flower gardening, taking walks with friends, vacationing at the ocean and some of her greatest joy came from attending auctions and exploring Vermont with John. Anita also developed into an artisan possessing the talent for wood burning that elevated a piece of wood to the level of fine art. She grew to have a special affinity for animals as she had the pleasure of being immersed in Maine wildlife as deer, fox, bear, moose and birds visited the property daily. Her greatest joy of late was a daily visit from the family dog Brinkley who lived next door.
Anita was also passionate about her convictions and her academic tendencies as well as her love for literature gave her a healthy possession of opinions of which she was quite charitable. But she did more than talk. She wrote letters, attended events and donated to charities. She immersed herself in the history as well as the current affairs of indigenous people. She fiercely supported the charities that fought against injustices of all kinds all over the world and encouraged her family to get involved as well.
Anita was a sports lover as well. She was quite a football fan and enjoyed cheering on Tom Brady regardless of the team. She also was a huge fan of Tiger Woods. Her and her sister would often go to Norton MA to see him play. They always felt fortunate to have seen him play when he was at his best.
Anita took great pride in the fact that she wrote a novel. She loved literature and her final chapter in this life was fighting her cancer with every ounce of grit she could muster. The fictional character Beth Dutton from the tv show Yellowstone might wear a t-shirt saying “Don’t make me go Anita on you!” We love you Anita!
Her family wants to send a special thank you to every precious person who supported Anita and her care team by visiting, communicating and cooking whenever possible. Most of all we want to thank John Leavitt who wanted Anita’s hospice home to be right where she was in his home and not a nursing home. John’s kindness to Anita’s entire family was appreciated beyond words.
Services will be private. In lieu of sending anything more to the family for Anita you may want to consider making a donation to your favorite charity. She would have appreciated that most.
Online condolence messages can be submitted at the Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home website, www.mainefuneral.com
Arrangements have been entrusted to Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home, Cornish, www.mainefuneral.com