Marian Lillian Picon, 87, of Melbourne, died peacefully on June 20th, 2017 at Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne FL after an extended illness.

A funeral mass will be held at 11 am on Friday, June 30th, at Ascension Catholic Church, 2950 N. Harbor City Boulevard, Melbourne FL. A reception and refreshments will follow in the church hall.

Marian was born in Bay Shore, Long Island to Frank and Mollie Sladky on September 26, 1929. She lived in New York City and Long Island, where she worked as an executive secretary at American Airlines, before staying home to raise her two daughters.

She and her husband, James, enjoyed visiting his sister, Jean Beck of Merritt Island, so much that they relocated there, in 1972, before settling in Melbourne the following year.

Marian worked for the city of Melbourne for several years, and then spent the rest of her career as an executive secretary, at Harris Corporation, where she retired in 1991.

For many years, she volunteered at Ascension Catholic Church, as a Eucharistic minister and minister to the sick, as well as the Wuesthoff Hospital Auxiliary.

Marian was a gentle, kind and giving person who loved animals. She was also a talented artist who loved to draw and paint, cook, garden and read mystery novels. She also enjoyed ballroom dancing, watching movies, going to church and bible study, and spending time with her family and friends. We will miss her dearly and remember her forever.

Marian is preceded in death by her husband, James Picon, brother Robert Sladky, sister-in-law Jean Beck, niece Karen Beck, long-time companion Albert Chasar, and beloved cats Charlie, Freddie, Midnight and Matilda.

Marian is survived by her brother Gerald Sladky, daughter Jeanann (Jean) Picon of Melbourne, daughter Laura Hluck (George) of Painted Post NY, two granddaughters, Marissa and Julia Hluck, special niece Chris (Mark) McKay and several nephews.

In 2011, Marian wrote in a letter to her daughters, "I have learned that love, compassion, and service to others are the keys to a fulfilled life."

Memorial donations may be made to Ascension Church, 2950 N. Harbor City Blvd. Melbourne, FL or the Eau Gallie Public Library,1521 Pineapple Ave, Melbourne, FL.

Laura Hluck and Chris McKay wish to extend their gratitude to the MICU and palliative care staff at HRMC for their excellent care and support.