Kay L. Pickel

Kay L. Pickel, 77, of New Cumberland, PA, passed away with her family by her side on Monday, November 18, 2024, at UPMC Harrisburg Hospital. She was the daughter of the late Clair I. and June (Lovell) Fluke, born on February 16, 1947, in Altoona.

Adopted at an early age by her grandparents, Catherine and Ernest Lovell, she would grow up in Wormleysburg and New Cumberland and graduate from Cedar Cliff High School (Class of 1964). She went back to school to become a medical assistant, going on to work briefly for Dr. Grandon before spending nearly a decade with Jones, Daly, Coldren & Associates. She thoroughly enjoyed her time helping little ones in their Camp Hill/Harrisburg pediatric practice. Years later, she put her skills in the kitchen to work, specializing in food preparation and platters for small events. With the backing of Kessler’s Foods, she and Sue Sansom operated Lion’s Den Catering, providing full-service catering to numerous events in the area, especially those held at the Harrisburg Farm Show Complex. Running a concession stand too, Kay’s whole family took part in the business at one point or another.

She was a member of New Cumberland First Church of God nearly all her life. Kay was a church elder for several years and was given the honorary position of life elder. She helped with Sunday School and in the nursery, and she volunteered her baking skills in a variety of ways for many NCCOG functions and congregants. She wrote notes and cards for every occasion, she loved children (especially the young ones in her family), and she gave the world’s best hugs. She enjoyed the beach—OCNJ and Bethany were her favorites—and birdwatching too. Kay was a loving wife, dedicated mother, proud aunt, and genuine friend to so many.

Surviving is her husband and best friend of 48 years, Edward R. Pickel; daughters, Sarah Pickel and Becky Pickel, both of New Cumberland; siblings, Barbara (Fluke) Torok (husband, Ron), Donna (Fluke) Shue, William Fluke (wife, Michele), and Sally (Fluke) Burkholder (husband, Pat); and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Kenneth Fluke; sister-in-law, Mary Fluke; and her aunts and uncles whom she considered sisters and brothers.

A public viewing will take place from 10AM until a funeral service begins at 11AM on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at New Cumberland First Church of God. Burial will immediately follow in Middletown Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Kay’s name to her church: New Cumberland First Church of God, 323 Reno Avenue, New Cumberland, PA 17070.