Gabriel L "Gaby" Pickett

East Lansing, MI

Gabriel L. “Gaby” Pickett, formerly of Comstock, MI and Wells, VT, passed away at age 90 on August 10, 2011 in East Lansing, MI. She was born February 23, 1921, in Kalamazoo, MI to Walter H. and Adrianne W. (Loesser) Crooks both of whom preceded her in death. Gaby was a 2nd grade teacher at Parchment Public Schools in Parchment, MI for 20 years. She, along with her husband Lauren, created the Summer Recreation Program in Comstock, MI where she planned and oversaw the arts, craft and recreational activities for the program. She was an active member of the Garden Club in Poultney, Vermont.

Many will remember her “Mother Moose” newsletters, her cookie boxes and her “Flimps”. She was a diehard sports fan and always was looking for a “croquet challenge”. She had a special charm that inspired everyone she met.

Gaby was preceded in death by her sister, Jacqueline. She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Lauren (Larry) Pickett; 2 daughters, Laurie (Doug) McAbee and Melanie (Bruce) Miller; son, Walter (Jackie) Pickett; 9 grandchildren, Kitty (Pat) McDonald, Pat McAbee, Joshua McAbee, Drew (Heather) Miller, Joe Miller, Walter II (Corinne) Pickett, Sean Pickett, Nathan Pickett and his fiancee, Martha, Chris (Jen) Pickett; 2 great-granddaughters, Caroline and Madeline Pickett; and special nephew and nieces, Kenneth (Jan) Tefft and Sarah Beach.

A Memorial Service will be held 11 AM Monday, August 22, 2011, at the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. A graveside service will follow at 1:30 PM in Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI.

In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made in Gaby's memory to: Michigan 4-H Children's Garden, c/o Michigan 4-H Foundation, 240 Spartan Way, East Lansing, MI 48823 or Poultney Garden Club, c/o Katie Covin, 751 E. Main St., Poultney, VT 05764. On line condolences may be made www.greastlansing.com.