Sandra Pickens 1950-2025
BERLIN CENTER — It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sandy Pickens on Sunday, May 18, 2025, after battling multiple health issues.
She was born Feb. 6, 1950, in Johnstown, Pa., the daughter of Donald M. and Willie A. Cameron Nicholson.
She graduated from Austintown Fitch High School in 1968. She then pursued a career in retail fashion management.
In her spare time, she enjoyed being outdoors in nature and gardening. But her greatest joy was spending time with her family.
Sandy leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband, David Pickens Sr., whom she married Jan. 11, 1970; a son, David (Elizabeth) Pickens Jr.; six grandchildren, Alexis Gorgacz (Tyler, Lydia and Avryl Emery), Michael (Brooke) Gorgacz Jr., Benjamin Gorgacz (Tonya Keefer), Olivia Pickens, Julia Pickens and Samuel Pickens; two great-grandchildren, Weston Gorgacz and Paisley Gorgacz; and brother-in-law, Bill (Sew) Pickens.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Willie A. Cameron; her daughter, Andrea Gorgacz; and her brother-in-law, Dino Ziccardi.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting any donations be made to Hospice House of Youngstown on Sharrott Road.
Calling hours will be held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Friday, June 6, at VaschakKirila Funeral Home in Youngstown, with a prayer service at 5:30 p.m.
Vaschak-Kirila handled all of the arrangements for the family.
(special notice)