MARGUERITE "MA" ELLEN (BICKFORD) FRENCH
GUILFORD-MONSON Marguerite E. “Ma” French, 98, wife of the late Frank Elwin French, died January 1, 2004 in Dover-Foxcroft. She was born February 19, 1905 in Abbot, daughter of Benjamin Oscar and Roxy (Sheaff) Bickford. She attended Abbot and Solon schools. She and Elwin were married in 1922 in Abbot, and had one son, Harold. Marguerite worked in several area stores as a cashier, and also worked as a telephone operator. She started and ran a private licensed boarding home in 1951. She and her husband Elwin owned and operated Monson Spring Water Works from 1948-1963. Ma moved to Guilford in 1982. She lived in her own home caring for boarders until 1998, and also was a landlord of 2 apartments, within her home. Upon selling her home in Guilford, Ma then returned to Monson where she lived in an apartment at Hebron Heights. Each year Ma made several pair of children’s mittens that were given away to many organizations. She continued to hand-dig dandelion greens and freeze many garden vegetables. She enjoyed making hand made quilts and afghans for all in her family. At the time of her passing, she was a member of Extension in North Guilford, a member and Past Noble Grand of Golden Link Rebekahs, a member of Chiquita Temple Pythian Sisters where she held the office of treasurer for 19 years. She was also a member of Valley Grange #144 in Guilford Center, Abbot Historical Society, and American Legion Auxiliary in Guilford. She also held the golden head cane for the oldest citizen in Guilford.

Ma is survived by one daughter-in-law, Althea French of Monson; a grandson and his wife, James and Sherry French of Guilford; a granddaughter, Nancy Taylor of Dover-Foxcroft; five great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren, Julie and her husband Edmond and their son Gannon of Presque Isle, James E. of Guilford, Kristen of Salt Lake City, Utah, Laura and her friend Shawn of San Francisco, California, Daniel and Rosa and their daughter Tianna of Sebec; a step grandson, Jerod Edes and his friend Kristen of Orono, many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Elwin in 1977, and son Harold in 2000.

Friends may call 2-4 PM Saturday, January 3, 2004, at the Crosby & Neal Funeral Home, 21 Oak Street, Guilford, where funeral services will be held 2 PM Sunday with the Pastors Daryl Witmer and David Ray Jr. officiating. Spring burial will be at the Abbot Village Cemetery.