Barbara Jane Pickette (nee Bryson)

Barbara Jane Pickette (nee Bryson), 82, of Frederick, MD, passed away on March 10, 2025, in Cleveland Ohio, her home away from home, with her family by her side. We know she was welcomed back into the arms of the love of her life for sixty years, Dickie, after a long 16 months apart.

Barbara was born on March 29, 1942, in Waltham Massachusetts to the late Kathleen C. (Morrison) Bryson and the late Frederick A. Bryson II. Barbara attended St. Charles Borromeo High School. In her early career she worked in Human Resources. She studied astrology extensively in Boston and New York City. If you met her, one of the first questions she asked was “When is your birthday?” Once you met her you had a friend for life.

She transitioned to the esteemed role of “Mother” like it was second nature. She held many jobs in this role: confidant, security guard, counselor, scheduler, taxi driver, personal shopper, nurse, party planner, teacher, and dance mom. Our Mother will be remembered for opening her home to everyone and throwing epic Christmas Eve parties. She loved everything about politics…except the current Administration. Her transition from “Mom” to “Nana” was a highlight of her life. She was so proud of her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Richard Allan Pickette, and her daughter, Kaitlyn Roberta Pickette. 

In addition to her husband and daughter, she was preceded in death by her brother, Fred Bryson (Joanie). Brothers-in-law Bill Stanley, Bob Pickette (Dottie), Harvey Pickette, Donnie Pickette, Sisters-in-law Sally (Pickette) Waitt (Wally), and Martha (Pickette) Morrisette.

Barbara is survived by her daughter; BJ (Pickette) Ostrum and son-in-law Arron of Fairplay, Maryland; Daughter; Megan Pickette of Cleveland, Ohio, her three grandchildren; Hunter Ostrum, Bryson Ostrum, and Cash Ostrum of Fairplay, MD; and her favorite granddoggie, Emma Jane Pickette.

She is also survived by her beloved sisters Roberta (Bryson) Stanley and Mary Kay Bryson of Waltham, MA, brother-in-law Bill Morrissette of Waltham, MA, sisters-in-law Eileen Pickette of Pompano Beach, FL, and Ann Pickette of Gloucester, MA. She will be missed by numerous nieces and nephews who all loved their “Auntie Barbara.”

Barbara would ask everyone to please vote Democrat and to do your best to live by her motto to “touch a life and make a difference” in any way that you can. No amount of time with the amazing “Babs” would have been enough for her family and friends, though she gave us enough gifts, hugs, kisses, and memories to last several lifetimes. She lived her life like a ripple in the water, touching everyone she met. Oh, how we loved her!

Thank you, to the amazing Cleveland Clinic Hospice team who made her last days peaceful and comfortable. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you please donate to your local hospice organization in Barbara’s name. 

A memorial service will be announced at a later date in Waltham, MA.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Jeff Monreal Funeral & Cremation Services of Painesville.