She was born in Somerville on March 27, 1919, a daughter of Byron and Lena (Larabee) French. She was educated at Somerville schools.
At the age of 15, Muriel moved to Warren where she worked as a waitress and in the local woolen mill. She participated in local theater groups and sang in the church choir.
On April 9, 1958, she married her husband, Melville, and moved to Rockland. She was a cosmetologist for over 50 years, and owned and operated Muriel’s Beauty Salon in Rockland for 38 years.
Mrs. Pickering was a member of the Rockland Congregational Church.
Her hobbies included reading and crossword puzzles. She had a great love of the outdoors, especially bird watching and taking nature walks.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Melville, on Sept. 17, 2006, and by several brothers and sisters.
She is survived by: one daughter, Nancy A. Pickering of Saco; two stepsons, Marvin Pickering of Saco and Bryon Pickering of Winchester, Massachusetts; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. She is also survived by one sister, Elsie Dority of Waterville, plus several nieces and nephews.
Service will be private. Burial will be in Laurel Hill Cemetery in Saco. To view Muriel’s memorial page or leave an online condolence, please visit cotefuneralhome.com.
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