Shirley Ann Bickford, 74, a lifelong resident of the Hudson Valley, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2025, at the Hudson Valley Hospice House in Hyde Park with her family by her side.

Born in Poughkeepsie on December 21, 1950, Shirley was the daughter of the late Shirley Ann Newman, who predeceased her in 1996. She was a graduate of F. D. Roosevelt High School in Hyde Park and dedicated her career to helping others as a Therapy Aide at the Hudson River Psychiatric Center, retiring after more than twenty-five years of compassionate service. Always a hard worker, Shirley also spent many years working at the Hyde Park Laundramart.

Shirley attended St. Peter's Catholic Church in Hyde Park. She nurtured her love of baking through adult education courses at the Culinary Institute of America, and found joy in life's simple pleasures—especially dogs, Christmas, lighthouses, music of all kinds, jigsaw puzzles, bowling and bird watching.

Shirley's greatest pride was her family. She is survived by her children, Kelly and Jason Sloniker; grandchildren, Stephanie "Punky Doodles" Morgan (and her companion, Chris Mima), Amber Morgan, Justin Morgan, Arianna Sloniker, and Alec Sloniker; and great-granddaughter, Harmony Crosby—all of Poughkeepsie. She is also survived by her sister, Beth Hauptman, and husband, Larry, of Rhinebeck; nephew, Kenny Hauptman; and niece, Shelby Hauptman.

Calling hours will be held from 10 AM to 12 Noon on Wednesday, November 12th at Sweet's Funeral Home, Route 9, Hyde Park. A funeral service will follow at Noon at the funeral home. Burial will take place in the family plot at St.

Peter's Cemetery in Poughkeepsie.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Dutchess County SPCA, 636 Violet Ave., Hyde Park, NY 12538, or online at www.dcspca.org.

To send an online condolence or for directions, please visit Shirley's obituary page at www.sweetsfuneralhome.com.