Obituary: Carol Ann Mary (Shawcross) Picard
Old Orchard Beach — Carol Ann Mary (Shawcross) Picard, 79, died peacefully on Aug. 22, 2026, at her home in Old Orchard Beach, surrounded by family, following a long illness with cancer.
Born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, on May 11, 1947, Picard was the eldest daughter of Joseph and Claire Shawcross. She grew up in Lawrence and was a graduate of Lawrence High School. She married Gerard "Gerry" Picard in 1965, and the couple spent decades building a life together across several New England towns. They raised their family in Merrimac, Haverhill, and North Andover before settling in Billerica, Massachusetts in 1971. Summers during those years were often marked by trips to New England beaches and lakes, a tradition that would later inspire their move to Maine.
Picard worked for over three decades as a bookkeeper at Sunny Acres Nursing Home in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, retiring only after the family relocated to Maine. She maintained lifelong friendships with many former coworkers, who remembered her warmth and dedication. In retirement, she embraced life by the seaside, enjoying daily walks along the beach near her home and frequent visits from family and close friends. She was an avid reader, a skilled knitter and seamstress, and never missed an opportunity to engage in spirited conversations with loved ones.
A devoted fan of all things pop culture, Picard held a lifelong admiration for Elvis Presley and filled her days with music spanning from 1950s rock 'n' roll to 1970s classic rock and country. She passed that passion down to her daughters, bringing them to their first concerts at Boston Garden. Her love of sports included cheering on the New England Patriots and participating in weekly fantasy football games with her grandchildren, who affectionately knew her competitive streak well.
She is survived by her husband of more than 61 years, Gerard Picard; her three daughters—Lisa Brandano and her husband Daniel of Billerica, Massachusetts; Debbie Breton and her husband Steven of Litchfield, New Hampshire; and Stephanie Rogers and her husband Tom of Brookline, New Hampshire—as well as nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, a brother-in-law, a sister-in-law, numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. She also leaves behind her beloved Shih Tzu, Tucker, along with several other furry companions connected to her extended family.
Picard was preceded in death by her parents and her younger sister, Jane Long.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the medical teams at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Maine Medical Center, as well as Andwell Health Partners hospice staff, particularly Dr. J. Paul Marcoux, for their compassionate care. Thanks also go out to neighbors and friends who supported Picard in her final months, allowing her to remain comfortable in her own home.
Private services will be held at the request of the family, with arrangements managed by Hope Memorial Chapel in Biddeford. Online condolences may be offered via hopememorial.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Picard’s memory to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute or Andwell Health Partners hospice program. Alternatively, contributions can be directed toward any cancer-focused charity or hospice organization of personal significance.
