Andrea M. Pickard

BRACEVILLE—Andrea Margaret (Gardner) Pickard, 73, of Braceville, passed away Feb. 16, 2020 after a long fight with Alzheimer’s disease. Andrea was born on Nov. 22, 1946, in Sodius, NY to Bernard and Margaret (Mandigo) Gardner. In 1968, she married her amazing partner, Dave, who supported her through every step of their lives together. She worked as an aide at Fox Developmental Center in Dwight and as a correctional counselor at the Stateville Prison in Joliet. She also volunteered as a grief call line operator for the Will/Grundy Crisis Line. She was a member of Grace Bible Church in Channahon.
She is survived by her loving husband, David; sons, Donald (Cecelia) and Chooch (Dexter); daughter, Catherine (Ian) Ripmaster; daughter-in-law, Heather Trayler; grandchildren: Amber, Colten, Connor, Robert, Cory, Stephanie, Ethan, Evan, Greyson, Carlyn and Sullivan as well as her sister, Bernadette (Donald) Haddleton; sister and brothers-in-law, Diane (Mike) Visconti and Bill Herkala and nieces and nephews.
Andrea is preceded in death by her parents, brother and two sisters-in-law.
The family is so grateful for the love that has been poured on them during this difficult time from family and friends. Special thanks to their granddaughter, Amber Johnson, who moved in to take amazing care of her while still in her home. Also, thanks to Aperion Care in Wilmington, Alden Courts in Shorewood and Joliet Hospice for supporting our family and making Andrea comfortable in her last days. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020 at R.W. Patterson Funeral Home, 401 E Main St. Braidwood. A memorial service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 1 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.
For more information and to visit her online guestbook, log on to www.rwpattersonfuneralhomes.com.
R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory, 401 E. Main St., Braidwood is in charge of arrangements.