Mary Bickford

Mary Ellen (Hockaday) Bickford, age 84, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 21, 2021.

Mary was born March 24, 1937 in Greely, Iowa to Chester and Marguerite (Farmer) Hockaday. She grew up in the Cedar Rapids area before moving to Des Moines in the 1960s. She attended and was involved in many activities at Mount Mercy Academy and Mount Mercy College. Mary worked as the COO of Clarke Companies for 53 years. She built many strong relationships through her years in the construction industry. She was proud to have had her photo on the cover of the Wall Street Journal. Mary was a member of the South Des Moines Chamber of Commerce and served on St. Theresa’s Board. She was a passionate contributor to Boys Town throughout her life.

Mary coached girls’ basketball and softball at St. Theresa’s School and ASA travel teams. She was an avid Hawkeye fan and enjoyed football Saturdays and family meals on Sunday. Mary loved her family above all else. She enjoyed cooking and showed her love to her family by always keeping them well fed. She was a wonderful mother and spoiled her grandkids in the best possible way. One of her favorite pastimes was camping with her husband, Charlie.

Mary is survived by her husband, Charles “Charlie” Bickford; daughters, Elizabeth Hubbard, Peggy Bickford, Mary Ellen (Tom) Jacobs, and Bridgett (Scott) Brower; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and brother, Thomas Hockaday.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Chester and Marguerite Hockaday; and her daughter, Audrey Bickford.

There will be a celebration of life Thursday, December 30, 2021 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Pkwy, West Des Moines from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Contributions may be directed to Wesley Hospice or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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