Tribute Wall
In Memory of
Jetta Florence Georgina Bickford
1930 - 2023
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Yvonne (Vonnie), Jacquie & Andrew May posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 18, 2023
I was introduced to Jim and Jetta in 1974 when I moved from Jamaica to live in Toronto. They immediately became an 'Aunt & Uncle' and that was to be our relationship through the years that followed.
Today we are sadly but fondly remembering Jetta with her kind ways and wise advice. She was an elegant & fun loving lady, always with a positive attitude and great sense of humour.
I enjoyed all the years of carefully picked Birthday Cards always with a little heartfelt note included and will miss our phone chats from time to time and occasional visits whenever I was in Toronto or she happened to be in Vancouver.
Thinking of you always with our love Auntie Jetta.
Our sincerest condolences to Jetta's Family.
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MA posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 18, 2023
Another tribute to Jetta - something I found in her files
Grieve not for me
Nor mourn the while, for happier would I be to see you smile.
Let no tears fall since I have passed away.
But miss me and remember me each day.
Live your life as I would want you to, and treat they fellow man as I would do.
And when the time has come, your life be through, I shall be waiting here for you
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MA posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 18, 2023
Today I came across something that Jetta had written
How I want to live my life
To do as much good as possible, and as little harm as possible, in this world
To make at least a few people happy, that I have been here.
To never knowingly hurt another living creature, either physically, mentally, or emotionally.
To live each day to the fullest, with joy and gratitude, for all the wonderful things that life has to offer. To see the beauty around me.
To try to have compassion for those who are less happy and less fortunate than I am - even when they hurt my feelings.
To try to never be judgemental of others. I have not lived their lives, nor walked in their shoes, so how can I really understand. But this doesn't this mean unconditional acceptance of others' wrongdoings, nor relieve me of responsibility for whatever action is necessary.
To never blame others for the path that my life takes. To realize that the choices are mine, and that I make my life what it is.
To be happy!
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Catalina Espinoza uploaded photo(s)
Monday, April 17, 2023
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I spent almost 3 years with Jetta, taking care of her, although, sometimes, she took care of me. She was one of the most wonderful, beloved, sweet, and generous people that I have ever met in my life. I loved her deeply as any one of my family.
I started working for her in August 2017; we shared laughter, travel stories, jokes, ideas, and some sad memories. With her, I improved my English, and my manners. I learned about Canadian and Scottish culture, and most importantly, how to be a better person.
I dreamt of her love story with Jim, and viewed her past through pictures.
All the memories that I have of Jetta are pure joy.
It´s a relief to know she was with friends and people who loved her, in her last moments.
Deeply, in my heart, I hope she is resting peacefully, with Jim.
My sincerest condolences to Jetta´s family, especially to Nola.
I would like to share some pictures of the memories we made together, in particular, the drawings and notes we left to each other on the kitchen table.
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Anne de Stecher posted a condolence
Monday, April 17, 2023
My name is Anne de Stecher and Jetta was my beloved godmother. My mother Peggy attended MacDonald College, as did Jetta, and they were friends when they were teaching in Montreal. As a child I have wonderful memories of Jetta and Jim's visits, and I remember being fascinated by the wonderful bracelets she always wore!
Jetta was full of fun and joie de vivre, she could make any situation interesting and find the positive. I often called her when I had decisions to make and she always had thoughtful, wise counsel. I treasured my visits to see her and Jim in Toronto, and later after Jim's passing, to visit her. She was always there for me, and I miss her. Jetta is happy now, with Jim.
My deepest sympathy and condolences to Jetta's family.
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Sarah Fentum posted a condolence
Sunday, April 16, 2023
My sincere condolences to Jetta's family and friends.
Although I only knew Jetta for just over a year, I feel very lucky to have done so. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversations over the phone and in person. Jetta was a gracious and generous person to everyone she met, an elegant woman with the most wonderful sense of humour.
It speaks to Jetta's true nature that at the end she was this same warm hearted, lovely lady with that endearing sense of humour.
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Keith & Hilary May uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, April 16, 2023
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I first met Jim & Jetta as a young boy in Jamaica and since that time they have always played an important part in my life. When I was at boarding school in England they would take me up to London for the occasional weekend to broaden my life experiences. At age 21, I moved to Toronto in 1974, where again our relationship grew. Jim & Jetta were not only parental advisors but also the very best of friends to me.. We shared wonderfully enjoyable weekends at their cottage in Quebec, fishing and enjoying the outdoors. Usually, when we were together Jim and I would find time for a game of chess. Jim was Godfather to my son Andrew and with Jetta they both visited us when we moved to BC and then again when we moved to PEI. Once we relocated to the UK in 2015, we always made sure to stop in Toronto to visit Jetta en route to being with family in BC and we had such lovely times. In the last 20 years we probably spoke on the phone at least once a month.
Jim & Jetta were a huge part of our lives, we loved them dearly and they are permanently in our hearts. Sadly missed but forever grateful for their friendship. We are happy in the belief that Jetta is now with her beloved Jim.
Our deepest condolences go to all of Jetta’s family.
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Laura Poon posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 11, 2023
My name is Laura Poon.
While this is a sad time that we learn of Jetta’s passing, I know she would not want us to grieve her death but to celebrate her life. As we think back and remember how Jetta has touched our lives, we must be thankful we had an opportunity to cross paths during her 93 years of life on earth.
I have known Jetta since the mid-Seventies for over 45 years. Our friendship began during the time that I worked for her husband, James (Jim) Gordon Bickford at CIBC. I, along with the Poon Family, became particularly good friends of Jetta and Jim. Our friendship continued after Jim’s passing in 2011.
To understand Jetta Florence Georgina Bickford, I can provide a summary of her background. Jetta was a compassionate, caring, fun loving woman. She loved reading, listening to classical music and the bagpipes. She also loved architecture and history. She had a fantastic memory and could relate in detail everything she had seen on her many travels, as she wanted to see the world. I am sure she had fulfilled her bucket list of places to visit; except on an African Safari as her back could not manage the rough ride.
During her school years, Jetta was active in extra-curricular activities. She enjoyed elocution and drama and played in several stage productions like Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Daddy Long Legs and Pollyanna. After graduating from high school, Jetta attended Macdonald College School for Teachers having won several awards for excellence. When she married James Gordon Bickford in 1951, she was well on her way to her destined wish for a career in the Diplomatic Corps, as her husband was a Banker who had international ambitions.
During the Fifties, Jetta taught school in Montreal and Lennoxville, Quebec and then to Columbia University, New York for specialist courses in Early Education and Play Therapy. They moved back to Montreal where Jetta took on duties at a school in Lachine and was Vice-President of the Federation of Protestant Women Teachers.
In the Sixties Jetta had her first foray into the business world with Office Overload, a division of Drake International where she was a Client Service Representative, and later, Personnel Manager for the Montreal Region. However, this was short-lived after Jim was transferred to Kingston, Jamaica. There, Jetta did volunteer work with the Jamaica Cancer Society and the Canadian Women’s Club. Their next transfer was to London, England, where Jetta volunteered with the Ladies Auxiliary of the Canadian Club. She was proud of her involvement leading to the success of the Canadian Centennial Ball in 1967 - with over three thousand attendees.
During the Seventies and Eighties when Jim was transferred to Toronto, Jetta did volunteer work with Wellesley Hospital Auxiliary and the Heart & Stroke Foundation. They travelled extensively. An incident on a trip to China is worth mentioning. The Bickfords were invited to a formal dinner by the Chairman of the Bank of China. Some of you may know that these dinners usually take all evening with as many as twenty-five courses, but they are jovial to the extreme. One of the courses was a mushroom soup with several kinds of mushrooms including straw mushrooms, which, as you may know, are very, very slippery. When Jetta was lifting one of these to her mouth, the chopsticks went slightly awry, and the mushroom sailed up in the air and across the table into the bowl of the Chairman of the Bank of China. Everyone, except Jetta, laughed and clapped at this remarkable feat!
Of all the countries they visited, Jetta particularly loved Scotland where Jim’s ancestral roots originated. She treasured the many friends they made with the Black Watch Regiment and Association.
Jetta was also one of the original directors of the initial Campeau Corporation board for the HarbourSide Condominium. She served as a director of York Condominium Corporation #510 for six years, twice as President, and later served on several committees.
On behalf of my family, we extend condolences to Nola and her family for their loss.
May Jetta rest in peace as she joins Jim in eternal happiness.
Laura Poon
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The family of Jetta Florence Georgina Bickford uploaded a photo
Tuesday, April 11, 2023
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Heather Raymond LHEUREUX posted a condolence
Saturday, April 8, 2023
Our sincere condolences to all the family ❤️
Heather and Raymond L Heureux
Huntingdon QC
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William carlisle pledged to donate to Toronto Daily Bread Food Bank
Saturday, April 8, 2023
Rest easy good friend.
Please wait
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Tam posted a condolence
Saturday, April 8, 2023
This is Tam, from Martin's Flowers. I met Jetta about 6 years ago at one of our holiday flyer launch, she was so sweet and and has been very kind to us here at Martin's. Every time we have a new designer on the phone, she was very patience with us, everyone knew who Jetta was, and loved taking her calls. We'll miss you Jetta :)
-Martin's Flowers
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Christine Heath posted a symbolic gesture
Thursday, April 6, 2023
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My name is Christine Heath and my father and Jim were first cousins. I grew up in Huntingdon and Jim's parents were like grandparents to me. I spoke to Jetta twice after she moved into the retirement home. We talked about the time she and Jim attended my parents 25th anniversary celebration which also happened to be their 50th wedding anniversary. We surprised them with a cake just for Jim and Jetta and made them participate in the first dance with my parents. I loved them both dearly. Though I did not get to Toronto often, I always enjoyed a meal out with them. RIP dear Jetta
