Jean R. Pickett

MANCHESTER – Jean R. Pickett, 91, wife of Edwin D. Pickett and longtime resident of Augusta, passed away unexpectedly Monday, April 20, 2026. She was born in Rumford on July 22, 1934, the oldest child of the late John and Yvonne (Arsenault) Gallant.

Jean was a graduate of Cony High School, Class of 1952, and was a communicant of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church. After high school, she worked as a dental assistant and at the Maine State Department of Motor Vehicles. After she and Edwin married, she was a homemaker raising four children, but when her youngest child, Angie, went to school full-time, Jean began working as a part-time teller at the Bank of Maine. She greatly enjoyed this job and the people with whom she worked.

Jean and her husband, Edwin, were married for almost 50 years. During those years, they spent much of their time cheering on their children and then their grandchildren during their athletic competitions and attending many school activities, dance recitals, musical performances, graduations and other celebrations. Following Edwin’s passing, Jean continued this with her great-grandchildren. They loved their children with all their hearts and delighted in their lives and many accomplishments. Their love of and pride in their family were the cornerstones of their own lives.

Through the years, Jean and Edwin enjoyed spending time with family and long-time friends visiting, having dinner, and playing cards. Jean and her school girlfriends, along with her sister, Gloria and her sister-in-law, Jackie, met every other week for well over 60 years (coffee cans of pennies in hand) to play cards, share delicious snacks, recipes, stories and their lives.

When they retired, Jean and Edwin spent several weeks of each winter in Florida and were often joined by their children and grandchildren. After Edwin passed away, Jean lived on her own for a while in Augusta, but then made a home together with her daughter, Angie and her husband, Peter, and her grandson, Charlie in Manchester. She was well-loved by many family pups, and spent much time with Maggie and Thor, who adored her and the abundant treats she provided.

Jean was also fondly known for perusing the aisles of TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Renys and Marden’s in search of lovely items and thoughtful gifts at bargain prices. She moved fast with her cellphone and very frequently accidentally called her children and grandchildren at any and all hours and would just laugh when they called her in a panic to see if she was OK; they will all sorely miss this endearing “annoyance”.

Every day until her last, Jean knelt beside her bed to say her prayers. She completed her day with the words, “Good Night! Love you more! Say your prayers!”

We love you more, Grammy!

Jean was predeceased by her husband, Edwin D. Pickett, her sister, Gloria Erwin, and her three brothers, John “Bob”, David “Punky” and Charles “Charlie” Gallant. Her family are greatly comforted knowing that she is now back with her husband, Ed, her mom and dad and her much-loved sister and brothers whom she missed dearly.

Jean is survived by her four beloved children, Karen and her husband Richard Saucier, Paul and his wife Angela Pickett, Edwin “Poochie” and his wife Jenny Pickett, and Angela and her husband Peter DeSchamp. She is also survived by her adored grandchildren, Dr. Jennifer Saucier-Sawyer and her husband Dr. Andrew Sawyer, Rebecca Saucier, Sarah and her husband Andre Kouyoumdjian, Susan and her husband Matthew Mahoney, Dr. Erick Pickett and his wife Dr. Savannah Pickett, Charles DeSchamp; and a step-grandson, Caleb McKenzie along with his wife Kristi and their darling children. In addition, Jean is survived by her precious great-grandchildren, Emelia, Benjamin and Olivia, who added so much joy and smiles to her days.

Finally, Jean is survived by Poochie’s dear family that she embraced when he married Jenny; her two sisters-in-law, Jackie (Bob) Gallant and Jean (Punky) Gallant; and many loved nieces, nephews, cousins and their families.

Relatives and friends may visit on Tuesday, May 5 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 6 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, 41 Western Ave., Augusta. Burial and committal prayers will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Manchester.

Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com.

For those who wish, donations may be made in Jean’s memory to:

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

501 St. Jude Place

Memphis, TN 38105