Obituary of Marjorie Irene Pickering

Marjorie Irene Pickering
March 24, 1929 – September 12, 2025

Marjorie Irene Pickering, age 96, of Stettler, AB, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 12, 2025, at her residence at Points West.

Marjorie was born on March 24, 1929, in Moose Jaw, SK, to parents Edwin and Marguerite Haid. She graduated from high school in Indian Head, SK, and went on to attend St. Paul's School of Nursing. Her first nursing job was in Balcarres, SK.

Marjorie married Franklin Pickering on January 30, 1953. Together, they had four children:

• Gordon (wife Mayra), with granddaughter Audra, who live in Ecuador and Sacramento, respectively.
• Kevin (wife Frances), with grandson Austin and great-granddaughter Raine, all living in Vancouver.
• Greg (husband Greg), with granddaughter Holly (Vancouver), grandson Adam (wife Jenny), and great-granddaughter Eleanor (Ellie), all living in Edmonton.
• Pam (husband Greg) in Kelowna with granddaughters Desiree (partner Brody) and Brooke (all in Kamloops), and grandson Addison (partner Holly) in Kelowna.

Marjorie is survived by her two brothers: Fred Haid (wife Florence) and Edwin Haid (wife Edith); sisters-in-law Charlotte Pickering (wife of David), Deanna Pickering (wife of Bruce), and Diane Earle (husband Don). She is also lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews on both sides of the family.

She was predeceased by husband Franklin; her sister Edith Horseman (husband Ronald), brothers Norman (wife Doris) and Lloyd (wife Tilcy); brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Charlie and Marg Pickering, Stuart Pickering, and survived by Stuart’s wife Elizabeth Coppens.

Marjorie and Franklin loved to travel. They drove across Canada twice, explored the U.S., Europe, and Mexico, and spent many winters in their modular home in Palm Desert, California. Many of their trips were tied to Franklin’s involvement in the Canadian Teachers’ Federation. Summers were spent camping and exploring, and they enjoyed many years at their cabin on Buffalo Lake.

Marjorie had a passion for gardening — both vegetables and flowers — and stayed active through planting, weeding, harvesting, canning, and freezing her garden's bounty until she moved to Points West.

She lived independently in the family home until January 2023, when she transitioned to independent living at Points West in Stettler. Though she was sad to leave behind a home filled with memories and a large garden she loved, she quickly adapted to the warm and welcoming community at Points West. She expanded her social circle and took part in every activity available. In October 2024, after experiencing a few falls, she moved into supportive living at Points West, where she remained happy and content for the rest of her life.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to all those who supported Marjorie through the years, especially Bob Anderson, Donna and Dale Chapman, Barb McCann, many of the retired teachers, and the dedicated staff at Points West — with special thanks to Janelle Hayden. Knowing she was surrounded by such caring people brought great comfort to her family, who all live outside of Stettler.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Stettler Funeral Home, 4707–70th Street, on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., with lunch and fellowship to follow the service.  In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to a charity of your choice.