Gladys Magdelena Pickering

Gladys M. Pickering, age 100, of Bad Axe, passed away Tuesday, September 28, 2021 at Huron County Medical Care Facility following a short illness.

She was born June 27, 1921, in Bingham Twp., to Bruno and Bernice (Bureiza) Longuski. She married W.L. “Tim” Pickering on May 16, 1953. He preceded her in death on September 3, 1999.

After graduating from Bad Axe High School in 1939, Gladys moved to Detroit and worked at Fisher Body on Grand Blvd. as a secretary. Returning to the Bad Axe area, she worked at the Huron Abstract Title Company, which she often referred to as her favorite job, then was hired as a telephone operator at Michigan Bell Telephone in Bad Axe. Resigning to marry and start her family, she later returned to the workforce to serve as secretary of the Popple School Board, work on the Colfax Twp. Election Board, and work as an inserter and proofreader at the Huron Daily Tribune, until her retirement. A classically trained musician, Gladys played piano, accordion, organ, and saxophone, and served as organist at St. Columbkille Catholic Church for more than 20 years. She also loved to dance, especially a polka. In addition to her musical skills, Gladys designed and made her own clothing, was an excellent knitter, crocheter, and made lace as well. She was well known for her extensive flower and vegetable garden, and was an outstanding cook and baker.

Gladys is survived by three daughters, Mary Jo Pickering of Bad Axe, Beverly Pickering of Hazel Park, and Catherine Pickering of Bad Axe; two sons, James Pickering of Bad Axe and John Pickering of Bad Axe; one sister, Eleanor Landra of Thomas Township; one sister-in-law, Linda Longuski of Bad Axe; special nephew, Dennis (Patsy) Longuski; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bruno and Bernice Longuski; one son, William Pickering; one sister, Florence Vogler; three brothers, Eugene, Jerome, and Bruno Longuski Jr.; two sisters-in-law, Marion Longuski, and Barbara Pickering; four brothers-in-law, Robert Pickering, William Pickering, George Vogler, and Cyril Landra; and one niece, Denise Patton.

A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, October 5, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Columbkille Catholic Church, Sheridan Corners. Burial will be in St. Columbkille Cemetery. Friends may call on Tuesday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the service time at 11:00 a.m.

Memorials may be offered to the family, care of Gladys’ son, James.

Care has been entrusted to the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home in Ubly.