Margaret (Aileen) Picarillo, 94, of Troy, N.Y., was called to the Lord peacefully at home on March 19, 2021 surrounded by her beloved family. Born January 30, 1927 in Troy, N.Y. Aileen was predeceased by her parents, Earl F. Willis Sr. and Hazel M. (Greenwood) Willis and her late husband Alphonse J. Picarillo. She has 4 children, Robert (Judy) Picarillo Sr., Joan (Picarillo) Bendetti, Michael Picarillo, and Ann (Alan) Hoag. Aileen has 9 grandchildren, Jennifer Picarillo, Robert (Becky) Picarillo Jr., Dana (Joseph) Gardy, Nicholas (Sara) Bendetti, Alicia (Josh) Utberg, Amie (Oliver) Bourgeois, and Marisa (Robert) Nadeau, 15 greatgrandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Aileen attended Sacred Heart School, was a graduate of Catholic Central High School, Troy Business College, then worked for a telephone company and seasonally worked for the NYS Tax and Finance Department.
Aileen was an avid bingo player, enjoyed playing bocce, loved to bet horses, was a shark at the poker table, visited the casino any chance she got to play her favorite slot machines, loved her coffee ice cream and a Ted’s Fish Fry, she was remarkable at crossword puzzles, knocked chicken and dumplings out of the park, and was obsessed with watching her favorite golfer, Tiger Woods!
Aileen was most devoted to her children, grandchildren, and extended family that filled her with so much joy. She was everyones favorite and they hers, as she truly made everyone feel exceptionally special and loved beyond words.
Aileens’s family would like to thank Community Hospice for their endless care and support and a special thank you to all of her caregivers during her journey for their endless love, outstanding care, and for bringing a great deal of smiles to her face during her last days.
Family and friends are invited to visit with Margaret’s family at the Daniel D. Purcell Funeral Home, Troy on Wednesday, 4-6 pm. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Margaret’s memory would be appreciated to the Alzheimer’s Association 225 N. Michigan Ave, Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601