Doris “Dottie” Julia Picard, 74, of Post Falls, Idaho passed away January 1, 2014 at Northern Idaho Advanced Care Hospital in Post Falls, Idaho.

Dottie was born March 16, 1939 in Worcester, Massachusetts to Alexander and Catherine (Dapkus) Ostaszewski. Dottie attended and graduated from Millbury High School in Millbury, Massachusetts in 1956. She moved to southern California in 1956 where she met Ronald Picard while he was in the United States Navy. They corresponded through letters while he was overseas, and after his discharge they were soon married December 7, 1957 in Las Vegas, Nevada. They were married 56 years.

Together Dottie and Ron lived in southern California until Ron retired and they moved to North Idaho settling in Post Falls, Idaho in August of 1997. She was a member of St. George’s Catholic Church in Post Falls, Idaho. Dottie loved and enjoyed spending time with her family. She also enjoyed baking, cooking, shopping, and doing various crafts including knitting, crocheting, and painting sculptures.

Dottie had a tremendous sense of humor, and will be remembered as an intelligent, caring, giving wife, mother and friend, who was always there to lend a hand. Dottie took care of Ron 24/7, and Ron was by her side until the end.

Dottie is survived by her loving husband Ron in the family home in Post Falls, Idaho; one son, Joe (Jennifer) Picard of Long Beach, California; two brothers, Ken (Lori) Ostaszewski of Port Ludlow, Washington; and Bob (Sumiko) Ostaszewski of Huntington Beach, California; and two grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Al Ostaszewski.

A memorial service will be held Monday, January 6, 2014 at 10 a.m., at Bell Tower Funeral Home, 3398 E. Jenalan Ave., Post Falls, Idaho. Arrangements have been entrusted to Bell Tower Funeral Home, and you may view Dottie’s on-line memorial at www.belltowerfuneralhome.com.