Wickham, Barbara  M.   "Bambi"

Ontario:  Passed away on April 23, 2014 at the age of 60.  Bambi was born on September 24, 1953 in Englewood, New Jersey.  She was predeceased by her mother, Jean Merritt and sister, Debbie Dlugoz.  Survivors include her husband of 39 years, David; children, Joshua (Kathy), Shane and Amanda Wickham; grandchildren, Bryan, Eric, Raul, Ian, Kyara, and Grace Wickham; father, John Merritt and brother, John Merritt.

Barbara was known to most as "Bambi".  When she was young, a friend noticed that her initials were "bam" and so a few kids called her "bambi" and the story goes that the nickname stuck.  Bambi spent most of her life in Wayne County.  First in Walworth, and then for the past 30 plus years in Ontario.  When she was young she was involved in gymnastics and competed through college.  Later, Bambi spent a few years coaching gymnastics at Greece Olympia High School.  Even though she spent so much time involved with performing in gymnastics and coaching, her daughter Amanda says that Bambi's favorite thing to watch was figure skating.  Other interests included embroidery and a fascination with dolphins.  Statues and figurines of dolphins can be found in the family home.  Bambi loved her family and especially her grandchildren.  Her son, Shane, is in the service and his boys Bryan and Eric consider Ontario their home as they would spend a lot of time at their grandparents home while dad was overseas.  Christmas was a favorite holiday as Bambi enjoyed the gift of giving for her family.  Amusement parks were of great interest as well and the family has stated that Disney World was a favorite.  Recently, Bambi had gone on a Disney Cruise and really enjoyed that special occasion.

Friends and family are invited to visit on Wednesday, April 30, 2014 from 4-7PM at the Murphy Funeral & Cremation Chapel, 1961 Ridge Road, Ontario, NY 14519.  Funeral Services will be held privately with interment at Furnaceville Cemetery in Ontario.  Memorials in memory of Bambi may be directed to the American Cancer Society.