Katherine Grace Pickel, 73, passed away October 28, 2011 in her California home. She was born August 31, 1938 in Pennsylvania to Frank & Anna Sweeney.

Katherine is survived by her son Lawrence Pickel, grandchildren Macy, Blake & Sean Pickel and brother Tommy Sweeney.

Katherine was a loving wife, Mother & Nana. She was an artist who enjoyed painting statues and figurines. She was very creative, making and painting decorative mobiles and yard decorations. She had a green thumb and was proud of her garden. She was a home maker who maintained a beautiful home for her family. In her younger years she was very ambitious working in several positions of the hospitality industry, even managing upscale restaurants.

Katherine was a very special lady who knew exactly what she wanted and spoke her mind with confidence and strength in her beliefs. She loved to laugh and enjoyed beautiful music. Most of all she loved her lifelong companion, friend, sweetheart, her husband Lawrence Pickle who just passed Sept. 2nd. She has now joined him in heaven.