Margaret Elizabeth (Pickard) Kalkman

June 17, 1939 – July 23, 2026

Margaret Elizabeth Kalkman (Pickard), age 87, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2026 at Valley Regional Hospital.

Born on June 17, 1939 to Harriet (Martell) and William Pickard, Mom was raised in Halifax in a Catholic home. She began her working life in the summer of 1955 at Maritime Tel & Tel as a telephone operator. This job suited her well, as she was a friendly woman who loved to chat.

It was when she met her husband-to-be, Ary Kalkman, and married him in 1959, that she converted to country living and the United Church of Canada. She adjusted to country life by joining the Women’s Institute Coldbrook Chapter, United Church Women, Belles ‘n’ Beaus square dancing group, and in later years, Hobby Crafters, Woolly Wanderers, and along with Ary, became Charter Members of the Orchard Valley United Church.

Mom was proud to count the fifteen children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were brought into the world by the union of her and Ary. Their three daughters, Wanda, Loretta and Jacqueline (Tim Woodworth); seven grandchildren, Madison (Dave Jenneson), Tierney (Dean Hayward), Mallory (Josh Solman), Kristen (Arvin Jain), Bradley (Emma Bothwell), Maggie and Emma (Ty Nadolny); and five great-grandchildren, Bronwen, Kiehl, Ria, Aiden and Henry.

While our father was a house builder, it was our mother who turned these houses into homes with her flair for sewing, decorating and handiwork. Our father loved to say that he knew Mom was baking when he arrived home from work to find flour on the doorstep. Her family members and friends will forever remember her for the way she shared her love through the sweets that she made - special cakes and squares, Dutch boterkoek, cherry cheesecake. She leaves behind many tangible reminders of her busy hands – dolls and doll clothes, knitted Christmas stockings, crocheted baby afghans, tole paintings, hooked rugs.

In addition to her immediate family members, Margaret is survived by her sister Joan Sigston; brothers-in-law, Bill Sundman, Tony Kalkman (Esther), Benny Kalkman; sisters-in-law, Judy Pickard, Jane Kalkman, Mary Kalkman and many nieces and nephews.

Margaret was predeceased by her husband, Ary; infant sister Mary; younger siblings Sharon Sundman, William (Billy) Pickard and brother-in-law, Ronald Sigston.

A heartfelt "thank you" to the wonderful caregivers and support staff at Wickwire Place Retirement Living Residence and R & G Infinite Hearts Home Care.

The Celebration for Margaret’s Life and a reception will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, August 17, 2026 (with video webcast), in the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville. Interment will follow at the Lakeview Cemetery, Lakeville, NS. Donations in memory may be made to Hope for Wildlife or Brigadoon Village. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. Online condolences and inquiries may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com