Janice “Joy” Bickford

MONTFORT - On the morning of January 2, 2026, Janice “Joy” Bickford, age 98, passed away peacefully. Joy was born on August 18, 1927, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the youngest child of Earling and Henrietta (Johnson) Swan. She was raised on a 120-acre dairy farm in Waukesha County, where she walked a mile and a half to a one-room schoolhouse and developed a lifelong love of music. She began piano lessons in third grade, violin lessons in sixth grade, and played violin throughout high school.

Joy attended teachers’ college in Milwaukee as an instrumental music major and went on to teach elementary music in Waukesha County. Her passion for education and youth leadership led her to deep involvement in 4-H, including founding and leading the YY 4-H Club for 11 years. Through the IFYE program, she spent six months in New Zealand, followed by extensive international travel that enriched her life and work.

She later worked for the National 4-H Foundation in Washington, D.C., where she lived until returning to Wisconsin in 1962 to marry Charles Bickford. They were married on December 29, 1962, and made their home on the Bickford dairy farm. Together on their farm, they raised two children, Kevin and Jennifer.

Joy taught instrumental music at Fennimore Elementary School until her retirement in 1992. Her love of music and service continued through leading church choir, playing the organ, teaching 4-H, and supporting the Grant County Fair. She was a dedicated teacher, leader, and mentor who touched countless lives.

Joy will be remembered for her deep faith, love of music, commitment to 4-H, sewing, quilt, gardening, flowers, traveling, and devotion to her family. She was very proud of her two children and four grandchildren, who will miss her dearly.

Joy is survived by her son, Kevin (Connie) Bickford and grandkids Brandon and Allison of Montfort; her daughter, Jennifer Amend of Livingston and grandkids Camille (AJ) Rascon of Albuquerque, NM and Benjamin Amend of Livingston, along with two great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

Joy was preceded in death by husband of 58 years Charles Bickford, her parents, siblings Howard, Ralph, Edith, and in-laws.

In lieu of plants flowers, a memorial fund will be established in Joy’s name.