Ms. Nola Picht

“Anything is possible.” That is what Nola Picht believed about life. She was a creative woman, a perpetual inventor, who seemed to be able to find a solution for any difficulty confronting her. She had faith in her ability to find those solutions. Nola thoroughly enjoyed understanding how things worked. She possessed an inquisitive, confident, and rational nature matched with a versatile and agile mind. Nola was a person who believed that she could achieve whatever she set out to do.

Her parents were John and Marjorie Grattidge. She showed her ingenuity even as a child. When she was confronted with a problem, Nola could develop an imaginative solution, and she derived satisfaction from knowing she had that ability.

This same talent for finding solutions had a positive bearing on Nola's family relationships. Nola was raised with two sisters, Barbara Ann and Betty. When a difficult situation or dilemma arose within the family, Nola was always there to help figure out a solution for making things work.

As a young girl, Nola could be found building and inventing new and different things. She was curious, resourceful and interested in anything original. Nola took part in basketball, baseball and swimming. Her other hobby was sewing.

Because she was a quick thinker and adept at picking up on new things, Nola performed well in college. She was always on a quest for knowledge and she relished the experience. Theories intrigued her, and she was good at solving complex problems. She always wanted to understand rather than judge. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology. Her favorite courses were Microbiology.

Nola was adept at devising original and creative ways to enhance and improve the marriage partnership. Nola was seldom a critical person, but rather the one who was able to bring out the best in others. Nola was an entertaining conversationalist who was quick to respond to her spouse’s needs. She was a vibrant personality and she enjoyed spending time with Donald. She was very perceptive in recognizing others’ feelings, especially regarding Donald's.

Nola's remarkable talent for being inventive influenced her relationship with her children. She would create original, clever and fun games for her kids and had a knack for finding ways to make everyday events, even chores, enjoyable to them. Nola was blessed with four children, two living sons Don and Kirk and one living daughter Leslie and one daughter who predeceased her Deidre. Someone who was quick to laugh, Nola found it easy to spend lots of time with her children, but she was never overbearing or guilty of pushing herself on them.

As a born inventor, Nola was definitely in her element in her work place. She could easily create new and innovative systems, and incorporate those changes to bring a fresh approach to any work situation. Nola was a focused worker with a strong drive for achievement. She could assess all of the options before her and, using her analytical skills, could comfortably find answers that no one else had even considered. Her personal initiative inspired those around her. Nola was always good at getting a project started and then, at the appropriate time, handing it on to a colleague. She worked as a microbiologist for 25 years with the county of San Diego Public Health Department. Nola always made an effort to be a team player, doing what needed was necessary in order to get the job done.

Nola's passion for finding a better way to do things was often an end in itself for her. In fact, that interest by itself became something of a hobby for this perpetual problem solver. Since Nola was always searching for new and unusual activities, she developed many interests and leisure pursuits. Some of the things she became an “expert” in might come as a surprise to those who knew her, but most friends and family understood that Nola simply couldn’t be limited to just a few activities or ideas. Her favorite pursuits were sewing and reading.

Nola's calm demeanor and eternally positive outlook served her well in sports. Recreational sports included golf. Nola was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were baseball and golf.

Nola's talents were well suited for being actively involved in professional and community organizations, something she did throughout her life. She enjoyed being involved and was willing to jump in and help out in most any situation. Nola could bring a breath of fresh air to any organization, simply by introducing her novel ideas and problem solving strategies. Throughout her later years, Nola was an active member of the Navy Wifes Club.

Nola was continually concerned with the status of local, national and even world affairs. Her keen interest and strong values led her to become active in her community. Politically, Nola was republican party.

Faith and religion were important to Nola. She was a member San Marcos United Methodist Church for 40 years. During that time, she was Choir member.

Nola was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Nola's favorites was Scottish Terrier Dogs and West Highland White dogs. They were best friends for She has had both types of dogs for over 60 years. She also has Afghan hounds for 18 years.

Even while in retirement, Nola never stopped exercising her inventive talents, and this new phase of her life provided new opportunities for stimulating her interests. In retirement, she found new pleasure in playing golf, raising orchids and singing in the choir. Even in retirement, Nola continued to stay in touch with her old friends and while making plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled.

Nola passed away on January 5, 2016 at home surrounded by her family. She is survived by her husband and three children. Services will be held at San Marcos United Methodist Church on January 30, 2016 at 1:00 pm. Nola will be laid to rest at El Camino Memorial Park.

During her lifetime, nothing appeared impossible to Nola. She met the words “it can’t be done” with the enthusiastic challenge of a “wanna bet” attitude. Nola was able to recognize the possibilities a new idea held, even when those around her could not. For Nola, the traditional way of doing things fell short of her expectations, especially if there were original and untested methods for handling a challenge. For Nola Picht, the fun of living her life could be found in the challenge.

Please make any memorial contributions to Juvenile Diabetes Foundation