Florence – Margaret H. Pickens, 96, of Florence, died surrounded by family on Thursday, November 5, 2015 after a brief illness. She was born November 9, 1918 in Globe, Arizona, the daughter of Thomas R. and Margaret G. (Driscoll) Howard.
Margaret was raised in Globe. At a young age, and within a four-year span, she lost her mother, one brother, and father. When she was 16, she resided for a short time with relatives in Michigan, and then moved to Missoula to live with her aunt and uncle. She graduated from Missoula County High School in 1936. She attended Modern Business College in Missoula and provided bookkeeping and administrative tasks at Zip Auto and Dairy Fresh Creamery.
On June 22, 1940, she married her high school sweet heart, Richard H. Schipporeit. They shared a love of music and dancing. Richard Schipporeit died tragically in 1941. Their son, Richard H. Schipporeit, was born September 8, 1941.
Margaret met her future husband, Jesse B. Pickens, in 1944 and they were married on Saint Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1946 at St. Anthony’s Church in Missoula. They lived in Missoula initially and moved to Florence in 1955. In addition to son Richard, their family grew to include daughter, Pat, and two sons, Gary and Jim. Margaret and Jess loved to travel and made many trips across the country. They especially enjoyed attending reunions organized by the veterans of Jess’ Army Air Corps unit.
Margaret loved sports of all kinds and as a young woman, she played tennis, softball, basketball and ran track. She was a member of Glee Club, Girls Club and a member of the Girls Athletic Association. Margaret also loved football and was a devoted Grizzly and Notre Dame fan. She was a skilled bridge and pinochle player and was a member of bridge and pinochle clubs where she played each for over 70 years. Margaret served as an election official for several years and volunteered her time supporting cancer organizations.
Her happiest moments were those spent with family. She was most proud of the title “Grandma”. She loved attending sporting events for her children and grandchildren as well as a competitive game of pinochle with family.
Through her entire life, Margaret was a devout Catholic, sustained by her faith through life’s tragedies. As a child, she attended mass every day. She was an active member of St. Joseph’s Church in Florence for 60 years. When asked, she would say the best gift she ever gave her children was her Catholic faith. Always optimistic, she had a positive influence on everyone who knew her. The family will cherish forever the love, joy and laughter she brought to their lives and the lives of others she met during her 96 year journey – a life well-lived.
Survivors include her children, Patricia Hirsch (Howard), Gary Pickens (Mary), and James Pickens (Margie); daughter-in-law, Fay Schipporeit; grandchildren Shane, Dawne, Shannon, Scott, Jon, Christopher, Kevin, Jesse and Chad; 16 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. Margaret was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Jesse Pickens; her son Richard Schipporeit; husband Richard Schipporeit; and brothers Robert and James.
Visitation will be Sunday, November 15, 2015 from 5 to 7 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Stevensville. A vigil service will follow at 7 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, November 16, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Stevensville, with Father Matthew Huber officiating. A luncheon reception will be held 12:30–2:30 at St. Mary’s Parish Center. A private interment with the family will follow the reception at Florence Carlton Cemetery.
Margaret’s family extends heartfelt thanks to the dedicated staff at Valley View Estates Health Care Center and the caregivers at Marcus Daily Memorial Hospital.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis TN 38105, or online at www.stjude.org. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.