DR. BETTY HORENSTEIN PICKETT

SURRY – Dr. Betty Horenstein Pickett, 82, died peacefully Aug. 22, 2008, at her residence. She was born Feb. 15, 1926, in Providence, R.I., the daughter of Etta and Isadore Horenstein. Betty graduated from Providence Classical High School, Providence, R.I., with highest honors, attended Pembroke College and received her doctor of philosophy degree in 1948. After grad school at Brown University, Betty took a position as assistant professor of psychology at the University of Minnesota in the Duluth Branch. She joined the National Institute of Mental Health in its early years and played an important role in decision making which shaped the development of mental health sciences in our nation. After more than 17 years of service, Dr. Betty H. Pickett was awarded the Distinguished Service Award in 1975 and was appointed associate director of the National Institute on Aging. As an innovator, administrator and wise counselor working at the highest levels of decision making process, Betty’s devotion and zeal have brought her significant achievements in the pursuit to help mental health professionals better understand and alleviate mental illness. Betty remained at NIH until she retired. She was the first woman to be the director of any of the Institutes at NIH. In June 1994, Betty received the Distinguished Alumna Award from the NIH. One of the things that Betty loved most was traveling abroad with her husband, James “Mac” Pickett. While living in Washington throughout her career, Betty and Mac were involved in many music events and one of their favorite places to spend time was the Cosmo Club. They enjoyed many trips through the years together, including Surry. After retirement in 1980, they moved to Surry fulltime. Betty and Mac enjoyed chamber music at Rockport Opera House, but their favorite place was Kniesel Hall, Blue Hill, where they were very active in the affairs of all aspects of Kniesel Hall and its music. Betty also enjoyed ice skating, hiking, long walks, but especially music and reading a good book or educational magazines. She is survived by a brother, Dr. Simon Horenstein and wife, Aileen, of Missouri; sister-in-law, Alice Wolfe of Ohio; brother-in-law, Dr. Bernard Schuman and wife, Aileen Haber Schuman, of Florida; niece, Debbie Prendergast of Connecticut; nephews, Aaron Schuman and wife, Cynthia Marshall Schuman, of California; Daniel Schuman and partner, Fidi Andriambalohery, and their son, Galdino Hery Schuman of Washington, D.C.; Joshua and Jonathan Horenstein and their wives; many great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews. Betty was predeceased by her parents; her loving husband of 55 years, James “Mac” Pickett; and a sister, Sarah Horenstein Schuman. Although Betty and Mac lived a very private life, they had many special friends in Washington and Surry. In the last year of Betty’s life a few ladies were allowed the honor of knowing her in a way that most people didn’t. For that honor we are very humbled and thank the people who allowed us that honor. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth. Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.