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PICKERING -- Gudrun Gisela (Gundi) Pickering, 75, died peacefully on Friday, November 14, 2003 after a two-month struggle against cancer. Gundi was born on July 2, 1928 in the German state of Saxony. She was brought to Philadelphia at the age of two by her parents, William and Emmi Rest. Gundi is survived by her husband of 51 years, John Maylin Pickering; two sons, David Maylin of Pittsburgh and Philip Rest of San Francisco, CA; one grandson, Bryan of San Francisco. Gundi and her husband chose Albuquerque for their retirement 12 years ago. She retired as a reading specialist in the Abington Heights School District of northeastern Pennsylvania while residing in Waverly. Gundi began her career as a bacteriologist after receiving a B.S. degree from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. She was employed successively at a pharmaceutical company, a hospital laboratory, and the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research in New York City. While at Rockefeller, Gundi earned a teaching certificate at the Bank Street College of Education and began teaching. In step with her husband's career in book publishing, Gundi taught at elementary schools in New York City, San Francisco, and finally northeastern Pennsylvania. While at the third location, she earned an M.S. in reading improvement at the University of Scranton and was appointed a reading specialist. She attended a summer session at the University of New Mexico in 1979. Gundi chose to abstain from employment for eight years while her two sons were reaching school age. She always participated in teachers' organizations and in civic affairs, especially in support of art, music, and animal protection. While her health permitted, she was active in the Friends of the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Interment will be at the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany in Glenburn, PA in December. A Memorial Service will be held at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center at 4:00 p.m. on November 25, 2003. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the ASPCA.
        Published on: Fri November 21, 2003