Obituary of Martha "Ann" Pike

Ann got away….. after a long and productive life, enriched by family and friends and by service to others. 

Ann loved life and the people who shared it with her. She began her life as a shy child, for many years an only child, and grew into an outgoing woman who thrived in the good life she built with her marvelous husband, Mack.

Ann, born in 1930 and raised in Toronto, was the daughter of loving and gentle parents, Harold and Gertrude Wickham. Her sister, Leith Box (Clare), has been a source of delight and wisdom throughout Ann’s life. Ann attended school in Toronto and the University of Guelph.

Ann and Mack met at a tennis club dance and were instantly charmed by each other. Romance led to marriage in 1953 and 66 happy years of love and commitment. They raised four children, Jennifer, John (Wendy), Catherine (Paul-Emile) and Hilary and were grandparents to Bronwyn, Jade, Timothy, Stefan, Christina, Emilie, Sierra, Jamison, Sam and Jaimie and great-grandparents to Elliot and Norah. Ann was devoted to her family and they were devoted to her.

Life took Ann from Toronto to St. John’s, Nfld., back to Toronto and finally in 1968 to her true home, Rothesay. Along the way Ann contributed to her community, raised her children, supported Mack in his career and enjoyed life-long friendships.

Ann’s days were active and giving. She lent her talents to a number of organizations and charitable causes. Bridge and reading were Ann’s greatest passions. She entertained graciously, loved golf, curling, crossword puzzles, travel and the movies, cherished time with her family and friends, was an enthusiastic sports fan, and each day necessitated a five o’clock cocktail with Mack.

One of Ann’s greatest gifts was to see the funny side of things and she saw humour in almost everything. She was quick to laugh and liked to laugh. Ann was an inspiration to her family to live life well, to choose a life-enriching positive attitude, and to be a kind, thoughtful and generous person.

The Pike family is very appreciative of the tender care Ann received from Dr. Lisa Sutherland, the Oncology and Palliative Care teams at the Saint John Regional Hospital and the N.B. Extra-Mural Program nurses who provided in-home care.

Arrangements are under the care of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424). A private family memorial service will be held. Friends are invited to a reception at Shadow Lawn Inn, Rothesay on Saturday October 26th from 3-5pm.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Ann’s memory to the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation and Bobby's Hospice - Hospice Greater Saint John.