Obituary of Janice L. Pickett

SOUTH WESTERLO - After enduring a four-month period dealing with a brain tumor, Janice Pickett died at the Hospice Inn of St. Peter's Hospital in Albany in the early morning hours of Sunday, July 17, 2011. Prior to that, with the generous support of family and friends, and with the professional and most competent care of nurses and aides from Community Hospice of Columbia-Greene, Janice was able to remain at home until the end was near. Many in the Greenville-Westerlo area will remember Janice as a competent realtor, as Mrs. Claus during the Christmas season, as a happy clown and doting grandmother, and a presenter at Old Timers get-togethers over the years. Many will also remember Janice for her active involvement with the United Methodist Church of Greenville & Norton Hill. She served as a Lay Leader, a member of the Caring Team, the Hospital Calling Team, the Monday Morning Prayer Group, the Administrative Board, and the Program Council. Janice was a Sunday School teacher, a lay reader, and a member of the choir. Janice is survived by her husband, Fred Pickett; son, Eric (Lori) Pickett of South Westerlo; grandchildren, Nicholas, Erica, Christopher and Emily; brother, Richard (Marie) Sabatura of Shavertown, PA; nieces and nephews, Brian (Kelly) Sabatura of Trucksville, PA, Nicole (Justin) Pekarski and son Blake of Plains, PA, Jennifer (James) Smith of West Brandywine, PA, Sarah (Mike) Pannaccili and Richard Joseph Pickett. Janice was predeceased by her son, Paul Pickett, and her parents, Harry and Lucy Pahler Sabatura. A memorial service will be Saturday, July 23 at 12 noon at the United Methodist Church of Greenville & Norton Hill. Those who wish may donate to the Pastor's Discretionary Fund of the church, PO Box 599, Greenville, NY 12083, or to Community Hospice of Columbia-Greene, 47 Liberty Street, Catskill, NY 12414. Hooray for Hospice! Among the nurses and aides who made a somber period of time flow as gently as possible were Maggie, Adessa, Agnes, Georgia, Jane, Jenny and Kelly. Thank you to Dr. Frank Fera who guided Janice through a maze of difficulties over the years, and a most special thanks to Dr. Daniel Kredentser, whose care and counsel during two episodes of ovarian cancer were invaluable, and who was at her side the day she died. Those who visited during the last few months will have vivid memories of Tico, a pint-sized Chihuahua, who became Janice's constant companion and protector. Woe to anyone who dared to approach too closely! Rev. Thomas Carney can attest to this. Finally, to dear cousin Eileen and husband Louis Conte, who shared a lifetime of joys and sorrows with Janice, and who were in her thoughts to the end, thanks for a thousandth time. Arrangements by A.J. Cunningham Funeral Homes, Inc., Greenville, NY. Light a candle at ajcunninghamfh.com.