Louise Eleanor Pickel

Louise Eleanor Pickel

Gladstone - Louise Eleanor Pickel of Gladstone passed away on the morning of April 17, 2018 after battling a long illness. She was 89.

Born Louise D'Ambrosio in Gladstone, she graduated Peapack-Gladstone School and Bernards High School Class of 1946. It was in high school where Louise met her future husband, David E. Pickel. The couple married in August, 1950. They were married for 67 years, ending when Dave passed away on October 6, 2017.

After high school, Louise was employed in retail and office management. Louise moved to El Paso Texas joining her husband who served in the United States Air Force. Their first child was born at Biggs Air Force Base there. Louise became a homemaker and the couple moved back to Gladstone where Dave began his career as a Flight Engineer for American Airlines. After retirement Louise and Dave traveled extensively in their motorhome, frequently spending winter months in Polk City, Florida and attending the Sun'n'Fun Airshow.

Louise enjoyed cooking, spending time with family and friends, and had a creative streak she never admitted to. She was the driving force behind many Halloween costume prizes awarded to her children. She played piano and sang in the Bernards High School Chorus as well as the St. Brigid's Church Choir.

Louise is predeceased by her two brothers, two sisters and beloved husband Dave. She is survived by her son David A. Pickel (and wife Linda Raimondi), daughter Patricia Pickel Gilmore (and husband Edward Gilmore), six grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. She was a communicant of St. Brigid's Roman Catholic church in Peapack.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 22nd from 3-6pm at Bailey Funeral Home, Peapack. Funeral Mass at St. Elizabeth Church on Monday, April 23rd at 10:30am, followed by interment at Holy Cross Cemetery, Basking Ridge. www.baileyfuneral.com