Elizabeth "Betty" Gross Pickford

Elizabeth “Betty” Gross Pickford was the beloved wife of the late Robert Cameron Pickford, who predeceased her after 62 years of marriage. Together they shared a life filled with love, devotion, and countless cherished memories.

Born on April 12, 1934, in Lewiston, Maine, Betty was the daughter of the late Nancy (Harrison) Gross and Benjamin E. Gross of Auburn, Maine, and Mattapoisett, Massachusetts.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Linda Pickford Monkoski (Joe) of Jamison, Pennsylvania, and her devoted son, Stephen Pickford (Carol) of Marlborough and Cape Cod, Massachusetts. She is also survived by her adored grandchildren: Ashley (Derek) Lodi, Stephanie (David) Manners, Stephen (Natalie) Raitt, and Megan (Justyn) Fudali. Betty was affectionately known as “GiGi” to her treasured great-grandchildren: Savina, Alaina, and Bryson Lodi; Wesley Manners; and Vivian, Helen, and Will Raitt, all of whom brought her great joy.

Betty completed her schooling in Maine and Massachusetts, graduating from Edward Little High School in Auburn, Maine, and Becker College in Worcester, Massachusetts. She began her career as Registrar of the Central Maine General Hospital School of Nursing. Later, she joined her husband in the Panama Canal Zone, where she worked for two years as a government employee in the Military Missions Department of the U.S. Army—an experience she often remembered fondly.

After returning from overseas, Betty devoted several years as a stay-at-home mother, lovingly raising her family in East Longmeadow and Sturbridge, Massachusetts, and later in Mendham, New Jersey. When she returned to the workforce, she worked in the Medical and Regulatory Affairs Department of Pfizer Pharmaceutical Company in Morris Plains, New Jersey, where she was respected for her professionalism and dedication.

Upon retirement, Betty and her husband, Bob, moved to Clearwater, Florida, while continuing to spend several months each year at their cottage on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. They cherished traveling and cruising with family and friends, creating memories that will be treasured forever. In Clearwater, Betty was an active and devoted member of Chapel-by-the-Sea Church, serving for many years on its Board of Directors. She was also deeply involved in the American Boating Club and the Woman’s Club of Island Estates, serving on the Board of Directors for several years, and was a proud member of the Clearwater Yacht Club.

Betty lived a truly wonderful life—one filled with love, friendship, service, and family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her warmth, grace, and generous spirit will live on in the hearts of those she loved.

Private burial and celebration of life will be held at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, Cape Cod, Massachusetts at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.