Lois Eileen Pickard

She was born on January 2,1927, in Everett, Washington, to Leland and Mary (Taubeneck) Allan of Marysville, Washington.

Lois was raised in Marysville graduating from Marysville High School, class of 1945. She was the salutatorian at her graduation. During the war she was honored for her Aircraft Warning Service keeping a watchful eye on the skies over her community. She attended Everett Junior College and during her work in the school bookstore she was frequently visited by fellow student, Lysle Pickard. Lysle seldom bought books, but Lois won his heart instead. They married December 19, 1947 at the Everett First Baptist Church.

Upon completing their degrees at EJC Lysle transferred to Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. Lois remained home with family until after the birth of their daughter Marilee in late 1948 joining Lysle a short time later. Upon graduation they returned to Everett to raise their family. Initially, both were employed at Picardy’s, the family restaurant in town. With the addition of Mark, then later, Matt, Lois focused on the care of her family and home. She was a wonderful homemaker and set high standards for herself. If she was ever ill, we didn’t know it. She was a 24/7 mom. The household ran efficiently and economically with a great routine which we all speak of with fond memories. She was equally capable on family camping vacations of keeping her brood fed, clean and happy on a frugal budget. For years she enjoyed greatly the monthly gathering with her high school classmates to play pinochle.

When the children were in their teens Lois entered the workforce with the Snohomish County Juvenile Court. As a senior legal secretary she was a diligent and impeccable worker. She retired from the Denny Youth Center in 1987. In retirement Lois and Lysle traveled to many destinations in our country as well as Europe. Additionally, each year they had a gathering with Lysle’s siblings and spouses to some new adventure or experience. They were devoted, loving companions enjoying the early years of their retirement.

Lois was a member of Everett First Baptist Church all her adult life. She assisted with the high school Girls Guild and was a long-time caregiver in the Cradle Roll.

In 2003 she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and her world became much smaller. Her lifelong partner, Lysle, became Lois’ loving caregiver. They could be seen daily walking together with their Jack Russell terrior, Max and picking up the litter in the neighborhood. Eventually, the challenge of independent living resulted in Lysle and Lois moving to the Bethany at Silver Crest assisted living residence. However, Lois’ Alzheimer’s was advanced enough to require the care of the Silver Lake skilled care unit. She was visited daily by Lysle until his passing.

The Lois we knew for so long left us gradually. She was a woman of kind words, a loving mother, a great cook, a cordial hostess, devoted wife and a faithful believer. Alzheimer’s stole Lois from us far too soon, but as her needs increased we have been blessed with the chance to return, in some portion, the care she bestowed on her family.

Lois is survived by her daughter, Marilee Carter of North Bend; son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Susan Pickard of Everett; and daughter-in-law, Kim Pickard of Tacoma; her seven grandchildren, Mitchell Carter (Alison Johnson) of North Bend; Laurie (Michael) Picha of Bellingham; Katherine (Christopher) Schmid of Everett; Kelly Pickard of Everett; Stephen (Meghan) Pickard of Puyallup; Austin (Sarah) Pickard of Arlington; Andrew (Pia) Pickard of Tacoma; and thirteen great-grandchildren: Hayden Johnson; Penny, Timothy, Elliot Picha; Noah (Emma), Jonah, Micah Schmid; Dawson, Molly Pickard; Preston, Declan Pickard; Isagani, Hiraya Pickard.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, sister Mary Ann Wolfe, step-father Dean Shaffer, son Matthew and son-in-law Alan Carter.

A “Celebration of Life” will be held November 30, 12:00 noon at Evergreen Funeral Home 4504 Broadway, Everett, Washington.

In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged by supporting and/or participating in your local annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association.

The family wishes to thank the Bethany at Silver Lake, south unit staff for their kind attention and care to Lois. And a special thanks to childhood friend, Lavon “Bunny” Read for her lunch dates and many visits to Lois.