SCARBOROUGH- Jean Rummery Bicknell, 87, passed away on April 12, 2026, in the company of family and friends. She died from complications from a long-term illness (pulmonary fibrosis) exacerbated by multistitial pneumonia about 9 months ago.
She is warmly remembered by her two sons, Richard and Christopher, along with their wives, Barbara and Kelly. She loved her two grandchildren, Gareth and Julian, and cherished her two sisters, Nancy and Virginia. She also leaves behind many nephews, nieces, grandnephews, and grandnieces who will miss her dearly.
We remember the lessons Jean taught by example: to forgive generously, to listen without judgment, to seek the good in others, and always to remain hopeful. Though we mourn her absence, we find comfort in the lives she touched and memories that will never fade.
She was a lifelong voter and started her sons on the same path, taking them to their first election after she left the Peace Corps, when Richard was 5 and Chris was 3.
She was a staunch advocate for rights and equality, often carrying signs, marching, riding in parades, sending postcards, and calling senators.
During her time at Piper Shores, she participated in numerous activities, including the Shakespeare Club, the Activities Committee, the Food and Nutrition Committee, baking, quilting, needlework, plein air painting, working the seasonal bazaar, and handcrafting greeting cards.
And if she could ever avoid it, she always took the road less traveled and tried not to take the same route twice in the same day.
She is now in a place where the sun is always shining, and sunflowers follow her, and there is always a cat purring nearby, and nobody bothers her before her first cup of coffee in the morning (maybe second).
In lieu of flowers, she would like checks of any amount sent to Piper Shores, 15 Piper Road, Attn: Employee Appreciation, Scarborough, ME 04074.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Poitras Funeral Homes, www.mainefuneral.com