The Star - News, views and advertising of the Grand Coulee Dam Area

Loved by all who knew her, Elsie Mae (Lemery) Picard, 80, passed away with family by her side at Coulee Medical Center in Grand Coulee, Wash., on Thursday, October 11, 2012.

Elsie entered this world May 21, 1931, into the home of Pete and Louise (Smith) Lemery of Boyds, Wash.

After attending school at St. Mary’s Mission, Elsie married William Wayne Picard on March 27, 1947, who sadly passed away after over 50 years together.

Survived by five children: Linda K. Hogan (Philip), Randall L. “Bucky” Picard, Carla J. Gunter (Gale), Andre’ P. Picard and Robert J. Picard; 17 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; Elsie was preceded in death by two children: Darrell W. “Tubby” Picard and Dein Picard.

An active member of Sacred Heart Church, Elsie worked for the Colville Tribe, R.L. Polk & Company, the tribal jail and the Nespelem Meal Site. Though most widely known for her wonderful cooking – especially her fry bread(!), Elsie also enjoyed making baby boards, beading hats, all kinds of arts and crafts, running her stand and helping to preserve her ancestral language through the teaching of others. Second only to her love for her own family, Elsie’s great passion was helping others learn to be good parents to their children.

Elsie’s family would like to extend a special thanks to the wonderful people at Coulee Medical Center for their loving care of their Mom and Grandma, and to the staff of Strate Funeral Home.

All who knew Elsie have memories treasured in each of their hearts and there are just too many recollections to share about Elsie here, so all are invited to a Memorial Service and Celebration of Elsie’s life at 1p.m., on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012, in Catholic Long House in Nespelem, Washington

Strate Funeral home of Grand Coulee, Washington is honored to be caring for Elsie’s family. Please sign her online register book at http://www.stratefuneralhome.com.