Denise A. Pickering

ATTLEBORO – Denise A. Pickering, 81, of Attleboro, passed away peacefully and surrounded by love on March 10, 2026. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, on September 14, 1944, she was the beloved daughter of Barbara (McDermott) (Morey) Svendsen and Warren Morey, and stepdaughter of Warren Svendsen.

In April of 1967, Denise married the handsome and high-spirited Kenneth G. Pickering. Together they welcomed their daughter, Kristin, in March of 1969. Denise spent much of her time attending sporting events as a coach's wife with Ken and their friends, and then as a basketball/softball mom for Kristin. She looked forward to the post-game shindigs, and loved to cook for friends. She loved going on adventures with Ken- vacations in Maine, trips to Williamsburg, family trips to Disney (from which she needed another vacation), and the quick weekend away. After Ken's retirement, Denise was dedicated to his care until his death in 2011.

Denise worked for Mechanics Bank where she met Ken as a bank teller. She worked through multiple mergers until her retirement. After caring for Ken, she spent her time gardening, doing house projects, sewing, reading mystery novels, doing sudoku at breakfast, playing solitaire at lunch and watching her favorite crime and cooking shows. She loved staying connected to the NA football crowd by "cooking for the coaches" for every Friday night's post-game, and she looked forward to seeing all the NAMS teachers at the holiday luncheon. She went on adventures with Kristin to Ireland and California, and then to Wicked Tulips, the Topsfield Fair, AnB Homestead for goat snuggles, and the occasional trip for ice cream or apps and a Manhattan at Applebee's. She loved Thanksgiving, roasting the Christmas beast, and hosting New Year's Day pajama brunch with the Tribe. She will be missed by her family, but also by so many others whose lives she touched.

Denise is predeceased by her husband, Kenneth G. Pickering, her parents, Barbara Svendsen and Warren Morey, her stepfather, Warren Svendsen, as well as her mother and father-in-law, Thomas and Rita Pickering.

She leaves behind a large and loving family who will forever hold her memory close: her daughter Kristin Pickering and her fiance, Steven Greenough; her brother Alan Svendsen and his wife, Tricia; her sister Elin Svendsen; her sister Barbara Herms and her husband, Bill; her sister Jan Svendsen; her brother Bill Svendsen and his wife, Leslie; and her brother in law James Pickering.

Denise also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and friends, each of whom she loved very much. Her no nonsense attitude, warm spirit, quick wit, and spirited saltiness touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.

She will be remembered for her delicious cooking, her kindness, her strength, and the way she made every person feel welcomed and loved. Her legacy lives on in the family and friends she cherished and the countless lives she brightened along the way.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Lenore's Pantry or the North Attleboro Animal Shelter in Denise's name.

Denise's life will be celebrated at the Sperry-McHoul-Pichi Funeral Home on Saturday, March 28, 2026. Visitation will be held from 2-4. Please, come as you are! This is meant to celebrate Denise so bring your fondest memories and stories, and be prepared to cry a little, laugh some and love a lot! A short service will be held at the funeral home at 4pm. Burial will be private.