Nancy Pickard Obituary

Nancy Ann Pickard CHARLESTON - It is with great sadness that the family of Captain Nancy Ann Pickard announces that she lost her long, heroic battle with Parkinson's Disease on April 11, 2022. Family meant everything to Nancy, so it was quite fitting that, as she took her last breaths, she had her family by her side holding her hand. The room was filled with love. Nancy will be dearly missed by her children, Laura (Dallas) Vaughan, Amy (Brandon) McSwain, Matthew (Sarah) Pickard; grandchildren, Sadie, Ellington, George, Wylder, and Jack; brother, William (Mary Ellen) Kraft; as well as numerous relatives and countless friends. She was preceded in death by her sister, Susan; and her parents: William and Johanna. Born and raised in Flushing, New York, it was her first job as a candy striper at Bellevue Hospital, where she discovered her passion for nursing. Upon graduating from the Bellevue Hospital School of Nursing, Nancy left Queens to join the Peace Corps, then went on to become a nurse with the United States Air Force. Her time in the service had her living around the world in places like Germany, Spain, Ethiopia, and Thailand. Nancy ultimately earned the prestigious rank of Captain while serving her country. It was Nancy's love of travel and faith that sent her on mission trips to Africa and South America to visit children she sponsored. She was part of the St. Vincent de Paul Society at her beloved parish, the Catholic Church of St. Ann's. Nancy even carried extra jackets and supplies in her car to give out to those less fortunate whenever she saw someone in need. Nancy was a devout Catholic, wonderful cook, avid gardener, and she never missed an opportunity to go "junking" for garage sale treasures. Out of all of Nancy's accomplishments, her proudest achievement was creating three children who embody her joie de vivre. Through her children and grandchildren, she leaves behind a legacy that encompasses selflessness, honesty, adventure, and unconditional love. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, June 3rd, at Catholic Church of St. Ann, 4905 Roswell Rd., Marietta, GA 30062. In addition, a Military Honors Funeral will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, June 6th, at Beaufort National Cemetery, 1601 Boundary St., Beaufort, SC 29902. Memorial donations may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation in her name. https://www.michaeljfox.org. Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston