Margaret Elaine Pickett

Margaret Hedlund Pickett, 77, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2025, after several years of declining health.

Born on April 16, 1948, in Kansas City North, Margaret was the daughter of Leonard and Lucile Hedlund. She attended St. Pius X High School and went on to earn her degree from Southwest Missouri State University.

Margaret dedicated nearly thirty years of her life to teaching Special Education, touching the lives of countless students with compassion and patience. After retiring from teaching, she continued her commitment to helping others by working as a Human Resources Manager at the local Sears store-where she thrived in guiding people to roles that fit their strengths and potential.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, John Hedlund; and her beloved aunt, Virginia Miceli.

Margaret is survived by her devoted husband of 54 years, Gary Pickett; their three sons:

· Joel and his wife Cherrie, and granddaughters Eielsyn, Isla, and Nora of Springfield, MO

· Michael and his wife Lindsey, and granddaughters Grace and Morgan of Kansas City, MO

· Adam and his wife Katie, and granddaughters Ava and Emmy Elaine of Leawood, KS

She is also survived by her cherished traveling companions, her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, George and Linda Bair of Wichita, KS. In addition, she is survived by her sister-in-law Judy Hedlund of Birmingham, AL; her nieces Abby Miller (husband Keith) and Nicole Bellanger (husband Cody); her grand-niece Zoe Wampol and grand-nephew Barklay Emmons.

Margaret found joy in the simple and meaningful moments of life-shopping with friends, traveling, and spending time at the lake with her family. But more than anything, she cherished the time she spent with her granddaughters. She especially loved reading with them and took great joy in helping them learn-a natural extension of her lifelong love of teaching. Margaret had a remarkable gift for making others feel seen, valued, and loved. Her warmth, generosity, and gentle presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A proud and active member of Immaculate Conception Parish for over fifty years, Margaret's faith was a steady source of strength throughout her life.

Visitation will be held from 3:00-4:30 PM Sunday, October 19, 2025 in Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home with a prayer service beginning at 4:30 p.m. Memorial mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday in Immaculate Conception Parish.

Flowers are welcome, or if preferred, memorial donations may be made to Special Olympics or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, two causes close to Margaret's heart.