Mary Louise Picard's Obituary
Mary Louise Picard was born in Detroit, Michigan on September 22, 1925, to Zelma (White) and Homer Daniel. She had two sisters and three brothers. They lived in the greater Detroit area but settled in Hazel Park where her father owned a used car lot.
Mary and Al met playing softball at the local ball field when Mary was 15 and Al 17. They became immediate sweethearts and married in March 1944 when Al was home on leave from the Navy during WWII.
They raised twelve children: Jim, Bruce, Judith, Mark, Terry, Tim, Beth, Tom, Joyce, Sue-Ann, Lori, and Patrick.
Mary and Al lived a busy life with their growing family, sending most of them to St. Mark Catholic School until the school closed. The family has always been close, loving and caring for each other and enjoying their times together.
Raising twelve children kept Mary busy at home. Yet, while Al became a member of the Fitzgerald School Board member, both Mary and Al followed their musical children and became involved with Fitgerald Band Boosters and worked on and performed in Cabaret, the money maker for the Boosters. She also accompanied Al in his membership in the Knights of Columbus by being a member of the Daughters of Isabella.
But as her children grew up and moved on to college, careers and raising their own families, Mary created a sewing business, a skill she learned from her mother and passed on to several of her daughters. However, she is most remembered for making prom dresses and winter formals for her girls. Her love for children also led her to take on day care for a while.
She loved her faith and St. Mark Parish. After converting to the Catholic faith in May of 1955, Mary participated in a number of activities and ministries in the church such as People to People and helping with bereavement meals.
Mary was a voracious reader. She has probably read every Grisham, Baldacci, and Paterson mystery book ever written, along with Mitch Albom. And her love of words only made her crossword puzzle work more amazing. Her reading gave her a sharp mind and a cleaver wit and, as her family often experienced, and her occasional sassy comments were a delight to all.
Her evenings revolved around a meal, a fabulous cup of tea along with Wheel of Fortune and, of course, Jeopardy. She loved playing cards and board games with her kids and grandkids especially Rummy and Rummikub. Oh, and there are rumors that she cheated at cards.
She accepted everyone as a part of her family. She took in friends of her kids, welcoming all as equals and giving an open invitation to anyone who came to her home, thus teaching her family the true meaning of welcoming the stranger with an understanding of “the more the merrier.” The family Christmas Tree Decorating Party was a wonderful example of this and highlighted her loving and welcoming spirit. She loved well and was well loved.
At 99 (and a ½) she was bright and compassionate, even consoling her family through her final journey. She remembered every detail of family history, often putting younger memories to shame. In her extended family she was lovingly known as “Oh, Wise One.” Her mind was sharp right to the end.
She passed peacefully on Feb. 12 at Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital, Madison Heights. surrounded by her loving family. She will be deeply missed. The family especially wants to thank the Ascension ICU staff for their overwhelming and loving medical and emotional care of Mary.
Visitation is on Monday, Feb. 17 from 3:00 PM-9:00 PM with rosary at 7:00 PM at Hopcroft Funeral Home. Funeral Mass is at St. Mark Catholic Church on Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers please make donations in her name to her favorite organizations: Gleaners Community Food Bank (www.gcfb.org) or Forgotten Harvest (www.forgottenharvest.org ).
She is preceded in life by her husband Al Picard, her sons Bruce Picard and John Picard, and daughter-in-law Heather Picard, her parents, Zelma and J. Homer Daniel, her sisters and their husbands Doris and Wilbur (Bub) Milby, Donna and John Doctor, her brothers and wives Bob and Lee Daniel and Mel and Barb Daniel.
She is survived by her brother and his wife Mar and Arlene Daniel of The Villages, Florida, and her sons and daughters, their spouses and children; Jim Picard and wife Lyn of the Villages, Florida and daughters Nici Picard and Karen Kahn; daughter-in-law Monta Loop wife of son Bruce Picard of Roseville, MI and children Micheal and Angie Picard; Judith Cronk and husband Richard of Stillwater, OK and sons Derek and Jason Cronk; Mark Picard and wife Carolyn Kresky of New York, NY and son Patrick Picard; Terry Picard, and wife Patty, of Copemish, MI and son Jordan Picard; Tim Picard and wife Dene of Warren MI and children Katy and Kyle Picard; Mary Beth Picard of Novato, CA and her partner George Savatgy and daughters Travis and Amanda Kraft, and Katrina Phillips; Tom and wife Sheila of Berkley, MI and sons Justin and Brandon Picard; Joyce Picard of Warren, MI and partner John Jackson and children Gary and Ryan Liles and Courtney Stillman; Sue-Ann Vogel of Warren, MI and partner Joe Righter and daughter Ellyse Vogel; Lori Hamann and husband Mike of South Bend, IN and their children Brittany Roberts, Danielle, and Will Mazick, and Kate, Jake, Nick and Pete Hamann; and Patrick Picard of Santa Rosa, CA and children Noah and Maddie Picard. She is also survived by 25 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, and a great number of nieces and nephews.
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