Melba Jean Pike
May 25, 1934 to March 24, 2022
Obituary
On March 24, 2022, Melba Jean Pike (nee Penney) of Freshwater, with her beautiful soul, departed her earthly home. She leaves her family with heavy hearts but gratitude for the blessing of a full life well lived.
She leaves her husband of 62 years, her soul mate and the love of her life, George Leonard Pike of Carbonear, her four children and their spouses, Keith (Gail), Penny (Job Winter), Nancy (John Payne), Fred (Kim). Also left with fond memories are her cherished grandchildren and step-grandchildren Bradlee (Danielle), Andrew (Angela), Taylor and Zachary, Cory (Shelley) and Michelle, great grandchildren and step-great grandchildren Noah, Asia, Merrin, Elsa, and Nathan.
Leaving to celebrate the special memories are her siblings, their spouses and extended family: Ray Penney (Phyllis), Fred Penney (late Ethel); sisters-in-law Mary Barrett, Joan Farnham and Joan Penney and Lillian Reid as well as a large circle of nieces, nephews, other extended family and dear friends.
Melba now joins her departed parents Fred Penney and Suzanna Elizabeth Penney, and her brother Clifford Penney (late Linda).
Mom was very devoted to her family and was selfless in caring for those she loved. From her formative years as a kindergarten teacher to lovingly raising her children and supporting her husband, she displayed a strong, quiet, patient spirit. She was community minded as reflected in her dedication to the Girl Guides which extended over fifty years in various roles, as did her involvement with the United Church Women. She was a great organizer and has devoted much care and attention to collecting mementos, family pictures and inspiring words that will leave a lasting legacy. Everything grows with love and this was displayed by Mom and Dad within the home and extended to their love of gardening and nurturing the smallest of seeds. Mom’s love of flowers, especially the pansy with its many faces, will always be a reminder of her beauty and resilience.
Dad’s caring and devotion buoyed Mom and provided both physical and emotional strength and courage in uncertain times. His constant encouragement, support, love and humour helped comfort and sustain her during her illness.
Melba and her family were grateful for the many acts of kindness received following her diagnosis. We are grateful as well for the shining stars in the healthcare system too numerous to mention; including Eastern Health staff of the Community Support Program, the Ambulatory Treatment Unit and Palliative Care including the Paramedics Providing Palliative Care Program.
Cremation has taken place. A service of thanksgiving will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to a charity of one’s choice and/or by displaying a random act of kindness to brighten another’s day.
Below are the words on one of Melba’s treasured plaques which continue to provide comfort at this time.
God Knows
I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.
And he replied: Go out into the darkness and put thine hand into the Hand of God.
That shall be to thee better than light and safer than a known way.
M. Louise Haskins
Len and family,
Please accept our sincere condolences. We were so sorry to hear of Melba’s passing. She was a dear family friend and there are so many great memories shared by our families. Melba was a true and loyal friend. Even in her last days, she was in touch, as she quite often did, inquiring about my mom. It is heartbreaking that mom is in a place in her dementia where she can not share our grief but we know if she could, she would be heartbroken to lose her wonderful friend, as would my dad were he still with us.
Hold fast to your wonderful memories and know that many friends share your loss.
Don and Donna
So sorry to hear of Melba’s passing.. She was such a kind and gentle soul. I still remember her well as my Kindergarten teacher, so many years ago.….so loving and lots of patience!.
Our most sincere condolences.
Rick & Joanne Stentaford
We are very sorry to hear about your loss. We are thinking of you and your family.. Our sincerest condolences.
Uncle Len, Keith, Nancy, Fred, and Penney,
We were very sorry to hear of Aunt Melba’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. We wish that we had more opportunities to visit but we certainly did enjoy the times we did share with her. She will be missed. Our deepest sympathies goes out to the entire family. Love Richard and Marielle Penney.
Aunt Melba was one of those rare people who saw the goodness in everyone. She left a huge, favourable impression on me as my kindergarten teacher. 65 years ago. My admiration and love for her has never floundered. Aunt Melba’s commitment to her family, friends, community and religion remained sound and strong throughout her life. Few people exhibit such genuine giving, compassion and honesty. She was an excellent role model and I remain envious of her qualities. I will truly miss her. not only for her warmth and love but also for her regular updates of “happenings on the Rock”.
Len, Penny, and family,
I’m so sorry to hear about Melba’s passing. She was a beautiful woman inside and out. I feel privileged to have known her these past few years, always a pleasure to have a chat and do her hair just right for her. She’ll always be remembered.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Sorry to hear of your moms passing ,my thoughts and
Prayers are with you and family .
Mr Pike, Penny and family. So sorry to hear of Mrs. Pike’s passing. She was a lovely lady with a beautiful smile and a warm, welcoming soul. She was always happy to see you and genuinely interested in what you were doing. She will be missed. My sincerest condolences.
Beautiful soul is right, I’m so saddened by her passing… if the world had more like her what a world it would be. Please except my sincere condolences, Mr Pike, Nancy, Penny, Fred & Keith.
I remember I was doing my collector’s badge in Brownies or Guides and at the time I collected bookmarks. She gave me one that she made herself from pansies in her garden, she had them laminated perfectly.
She was a very special lady to our family. I remember her extreme kindness and warmth and she always made me feel welcomed as a little girl when I would be at your home with Nancy. Very very fond memories, never to be forgotten. All of my love, xo Cindy Penney
To Len and Family:
So sorry to hear of Melba’s passing.
We have such wonderful memories of our time at Mount Allison University. Jeanette and Melba were like two sisters. We valued our friendship so much. Let us cherish those memories knowing that Melba is at a better place and all is well.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
God Bless.
Royden & Jeanette
Len and family,
Sorry to hear of Melba’s passing. We have many memories of you all when you lived in Carbonear as neighbours and as teachers. Cherish your many precious memories in the difficult days ahead. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
In sympathy and friendship,
Milton and Joan Peach
We were saddened to hear of the passing of Melba. She was such a kind lady, generous and full of grace. We are thinking about you during this trying time. Warmest regards,
Mildred and Susan
Len and family, and Cheryl,
We wish to express our condolences on Melba’s passing.
She was a lovely lady who brought so much joy and was loved by so many.
God bless you all.
Carolyn Bradbury and Gerald White
Sending my sincerest condolences to Melba’s family. She was a kind hearted and gentle soul. May your memories bring you comfort today and always.
Len and Family,
I am saddened to hear of Melba’s passing and want to extend my deepest condolences to you all. I recall how she and Len welcomed me to their home for dinner, as Fred’s teacher, when I started my career in Eastport. At your suggestion, I shall be sure to do an act of kindness in her honour in the next little while. I fondly remember her tasty ginger biscuits that Len used to bring to school and often share. Somehow that recipe came into my hands…or a similar one….so I shall have to make those soon and think appreciatively of days gone by.
Warm regards, Elizabeth [Newhook] Dubeau
Sending my sincere condolences. So sorry for your loss.
The Pike Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time.
We have known Melba for many years as a friend and as a member of our Trefoil Guild.
We enjoyed her company and looked forward to seeing her at our “Gathering “ and other activities.
Thinking of you and sending our sympathy.
Gander Crossroads Trefoil Guild
The Pike Family,
So sorry to hear of Melba’s passing. She was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed.
Our deepest sympathy.
Hilda White
Sheila Sheppard
Penny, My sincere condolences on the passing of your Mom. Hold all your Memories close as you go through this difficult time. Take Care & God Bless
To all the family. I just heard of Melba’s passing . We go back a long way to Long,’s Hill. My deepest condolences.I s the funeral services in Eastport? Marg Hancock Gander
Len, so sad to hear of Melba’s passing. She was a kind and generous person and we remember her fondly from our many and different interactions over the years. Our deepest sympathies.
Keith, Nancy, Fred, and Penney – so sorry for the loss of your mother. Please accept our deepest sympathies to you and your families.
Thinking of you all at this time. We know your precious memories will comfort you in the days ahead.
Condolences to all the family.
Penny, so sad to hear of your Mom’s passing . May your precious memories comfort you and keep her in your hearts forever. Sending our sincere condolences to you, Job and your dad and all your family .. keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers… 🙏
Our sincere condolences to the family. We received a call from cousin Ray and Phyllis this morning with the sad news.
We enjoyed visits with Len and Melba in Carbonear and Eastport. Always good humour and laugh and of course a great meal.
Our prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Cousin Albert and Pauline. Ontario.
Mr. Pike, Keith and Gail, Penny, Nancy, and Fred. My condolences on the passing of Melba. In my heart I will always see her in her Guide uniform with the biggest smile. She made a positive lasting impression on generations of young girls through her involvement with the Guiding movement. She will be missed by all who knew her.
So sorry for your loss. Condolences to the family.
To Len and family, and Raymond and Phyllis,
Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. My heart goes out to you and everyone who loved her. I wish you peace and comfort as you grieve. I will think of Melba often.
Marion Lake
Thinking of you at this sad time and sending my sincere condolences.
Len and family, our love and prayers are with you in your sorrow.
She was a gracious lady, always so kind..
Anne Saunders and family
Uncle Len, Keith, Penny, Nancy, Fred and all your extended families, sincere condolences on the passing of aunt Melba. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I have fond memories of aunt Melba during our early years in Carbonear, and later in Eastport. She was so welcoming, kind, and engaging. It was always a treat to be in her presence. While she will be missed by all, hang on to the great memories and special moments. Bob, Cathy and family.
Mr. Pike, Keith, Penney, Nancy and Fred. My condolences in the passing of Mrs. Pike. I have fond memories of her, especially as a Girl Guide leader. May you cherish your memories and keep them close to your heart.
Uncle Len, Penny, Keith, Nancy and Fred, we are sorry about Aunt Melba’s passing. May your memories help you through this difficult time. Aunt Melba was always good to me, and to my mother Joan. She was positive, warm and supportive. I have memories of her in Carbonear, in Eastport and recently in St. John’s. I stayed with the family in Eastport one winter in the seventies, and Aunt Melba treated me like one of the family. She will be missed. Kathy Penney and Chris Pike and Joan Penney
Heartfelt sympathy and sincere condolences to Leonard ,Keith,Penney ,Nancy,Fred and families.
Sorry for your families loss.
Sending the Pike family warm condolences on the passing of Melba. I (Carolyn) always enjoyed visiting her on my many trips to Eastport., throughout the years as a young girl into my adult years. She was a warm caring lady who made you feel special. Praying for all of you as you grieve her loss. From The Richardsons (Carolyn, Terry, Katie, Leah and Maddie)
Uncle Len and family, we are so sorry for your loss. We are sharing in your sadness, you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Peter, Lisa and family.
Uncle Len, Keith, Penney, Nancy, Fred and families. So sorry to hear of Aunt Mabel’s passing. Thinking of you all as I look across the street at the old homestead. Our sincere condolences. Frank and Cheryl
Sending condolences to you on the passing of Melba.’ She was a very friendly lady and we enjoyed our chats at St. James Church every Sunday. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Mr. Pike, Keith, Penney, Nancy and Fred and families. Sending my thoughts and prayers to you all at this difficult time. Your Wife/Mom was such a lovely caring lady. So sorry to hear this news today. Thinking of you all. Paula Squire-Sheppard and family
So sorry to hear of Melba’s passing. My deepest condolences to you all!
Uncle Len, Keith, Penny, Nancy, Fred and Families. Please accept our sincerest condolences on the passing of Aunt Melba. We have many warm and wonderful memories of her over the years and she will be sadly missed. We hope you take solace in the fact that she was a beautiful person both inside and out and glowed when she talked about her family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mary Lou and Paul and Family.
Sorry to hear of your loved ones passing. My sincerest condolences. Marilyn Hollett
Sincere condolences from the Wareham family! Melba was a lovely person and she will be greatly missed! Cherish all the wonderful memories and know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers!
Irving, Clara, Beverly and Terry Wareham!
I am so sorry to hear about Melba passing, She was an extraoyordinarily kind, thoughtful and gentle person. My thoughts are with Len and his family at this sad time
I am very sorry to hear about M3lba’s passing, She was an extraordinarily kind, gentle , thoughtful and sweet person.. M.y sincere condolences go to len and her family.
Sandra ( Stentaford) Colohan
Mr. Pike, Keith, Penney, Nancy and Fred I am so sorry to hear about your beautiful mother. She was an amazing women and loved by all. Thinking of you all. Hold tight to your memories.
Diane Troke-King
To Melba’s family .I am a distant relative of Melba’s ,daughter of John Charles and Vera Penney of Carbonear. It was only last week I was thinking about her..I remember her because as a child I would go visit her mom and dad with my mom and she would be there many times. I remember she liked to take photos and did for my mom on many occasions of my sisters and myself .she was a very sweet loving person and I am sure you have a very special angel to look over you ..
Penny and family; so sorry for your loss during this difficult time. Looking at the pictures of your mom, she was such a beautiful lady. Treasure the memories. Take care.
My sincere condolences. I hope the many wonderful memories you have of your beautiful mom will help bring comfort.
So sorry to hear of your Moms passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
May your cherished moments be a comfort to you.
Len, Penney and Family
We were so sorry to hear of Melba’s passing. She was such a wonderful friend to Harry and Thelma and it was a pleasure to have known her. Melba was such a beautiful lady. We send our sincere condolences to you all.
June and ArtKing
Very sorry to hear about Mrs. Pike’s passing. I have many fond memories from my childhood of her kindness, humour and warmth. Please accept my sincere condolences Mr. Pike, Fred, Nancy, Penny, Keith and extended family. She was a lovely person who will be missed.
Len, Keith, Penny, Nancy and Fred…
So very sorry to hear of Melba’s passing. Even in sadness you must feel pride in the legacy left by someone so special. She was a dear friend to so many, especially my Mom and Dad. Sending our love and caring thoughts to you all as you honor a beautiful life.
Steve and Brenda Quinton
Sincere condolences to the family on the passing of my beloved teacher. May she rest in peace.
Ruby Cluett Kocurko
Kindergarten, 1953
Amalgamated School, Bay Roberts
Gail (Stentaford) Sweezie
So sorry to hear about Melba this morning from Cheryl. Melba was my Kindergarten teacher so i got off to an excellent start in my schooling.. I remember visiting your house in Carbonear with Cheryl often and there was always such a warm welcome.
I have nothing but warm thoughts when iI think of her.
Love to all the family
Gaiil
Mr Pike and family, Our deepest condolences to you and your family. You and Mrs Pike hold a special place in our hearts. May your cherished memories be a comfort to you. The Crisby’s, Eastport. Doris, Marilyn, Gaye, Rosalind and Arthur.
Keith,Gail and family,
May heartfelt thoughts bring you comfort and loving memories bring you peace.
Sincere Sympathy to all of your family.
Much love,
Ollie and Bruce
Dear Penny:
Our thoughts, prayers and sympathy to you, Job and family on the passing of your dear Mom. May the pleasant memories you have shared be a great comfort at this time.
Penny, I was deeply saddened to hear of your mom’s passing. My sincere condolences to you, your dad and all the family. The wonderful memories you all shared will keep her forever close to your hearts. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Condolences to the Pike family. I remember Mrs. Pike well from Eastport and later as neighbours in Happy Adventure. Our thoughts are with you.
Sincere condolence to the pike family.
Ray and Phyllis,
We are so sorry for your loss. Sincere condolences to you and your family.
Mr. Pike, Keith, Penny, Nancy and Fred I am so sad to wake this morning and read about the passing of your wife/mom. I remember her smiling face, kind nature and the love she had and showed you guys. When I moved to Happy Adventure I was in high school and became friends with Nancy and Rob with Fred and Cathy with Penney. Tell stories about your mom cause they will make you smile, laugh and will always make her feel close to you. Sending my sincere condolences.
Sincere Condolences to all.
Mr. Pike, Keith, Penny, Nancy and Fred, my sincere condolences to you all and your families. Mrs. Pike was such a sweet, kind person who enriched the lives of all who knew her. Such a wonderful family, growing up with Keith and Penny, I had the utmost respect for Mr. and Mrs. Pike and how they instilled the values of family, friendship and respect in all their children. Take comfort in your memories.
My condolences to the entire family. I have many memories of Mrs.Pike , mostly involving the Girl Guide movement in Eastport. She gave me a cookbook when I got married , I use it often and I think of her with a smile every time I do. May your precious memories of her give you comfort.
Leonard, Keith, Penny, Nancy, and Fred
Our sincere condolences on Melba’s passing. Thinking of all the good times and fun that we had in both the Girl Guides and the Lion’s organization over the years. She was a gentle soul with and enormous heart and smile.
Thinking of you all,
Edgar and June Napier
Mr Pike, Keith, Penny, Nancy & Fred & families.
It will always be with the fondest of memories that I remember your wife/ mother. I still feel an affiliation to your family from my teenage years ,and will always treasure that time in my life and your families role in those memories . My thoughts and prayers are with all of you and I sincerely wish I was near to give you all a hug ! Please take care of yourselves and accept the most sincerest of condolences from me .
Love in friendship,
Marie.( Heffern) Lane
My sincere condolences to the whole family. A lovely gentle lady – I think of Mrs. Pike often as I set a formal table – some 35 years later – remembering the knife blade faces the plate and the spoon goes outside of the knife – a girl guide badge that she tested me – and retested me on – I won’t forget anymore. Little things make great memories! May she Rest In Peace.
Mr. Pike, Keith, Penny, Nancy and Fred so sorry for your loss. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Len so sorry to hear of Melba’s passing.
Deepest sympathy from us both.
My deepest sympathies to you all. I have so many wonderful memories of Mrs Pike. My fondest memories are of her in the Guiding movement. Ì will always remember her ginger snaps.
Sending hugs to .you all
Sorry for your loss. Our condolences to all your family.She was a beautiful lady.
Uncle Len and my cousins: Keith, Penny, Nancy, Freddy & Families:
Please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. Aunt Melba and Uncle Len are an aspiring couple. We both have fond memories of meeting up with them at Mum and Dad’s 50th wedding anniversary in Grand Falls-Windsor, and out to Penny’s in St. John’s. Their words of encouragement and kindness are cherished.
I will never forget Uncle Len and Aunt Melba’s Golden Wedding Anniversary celebration; especially the smile on Aunt Melba’s face when Uncle Cliff and I walked in together. Seeing the whole family there was very heart-warming for both myself and Uncle Cliff. As a youngster, I was always excited to visit and spend time with Len and Melba in Happy Adventure. Collecting eggs from the hennery, inspecting the garden with Uncle Len, and out on the skidoos. Melba was famous for her cookies and she always sent us with a box of them to take home; they never lasted further than Gander. When I stayed with Nan Penney in Carbonear and they lived in the green house, just up the street, Len and Melba would pick me up from Nan’s in their purple volkswagon, and we would go to the store to get the groceries on Nan’s list. Aunt Melba was always cheerful and sweet. Just like Nan Penney, she always made me feel special and loved. I feel blessed to have Melba as my aunt and Len as my uncle.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Love always,
Perry and Liz Penney
I met Melba in 2006 when we retired here .and I joined the ucw .such a refined beautiful soul .our condolences on your loss len and family .God bless you all .
Melba and Len were Mom and Dad’s dearest friends. When Mim passed away they were a source of greatest comfort to Dad.
Melba was such a gracious, generous attentive friend to Mom in particular a friendship Mom truly valued to her dying day..
I will remember you in my prayers and try to be the type of friend you were to us. Bless you Melba as you were a blessing
So sorry to hear of Melba’s passing! She was such a lovely lady. I used to look forward to her coming to my shop and doing her hair. Condolences to Len and the family!
Rosalind & Frank Matchim
Penny and family
so very sorry to hear of your mothers passing
I think I only met her once or twice during our great times in GFW .
Thinking of you at this sad time
Cheryl LaFosse
Sorry to hear of your loss. She was a kind, patient lady.
So sorry for your loss. Remembering the wonderful times with you all as neighbours and good friends in Eastport.
Catherine Squire & family
Dear Len and family,
We were broken hearted to learn of Melba’s passing yesterday. She had such a beautiful soul and we considered ourselves blessed to spend special times with her over the years.
She was a cherished friend of Mom and Dad’s and a wonderful support to our family since their passing. She always took the time to call and check in on us and for that we will forever be grateful.
We hope the many happy memories you hold of your wife/mother/grandmother fill your hearts and minds and carry you through these difficult days.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
With our love,
Joanne, Randy, Ryan and Matthew XO
My deepest condolences to Melba’s family. She was a beautiful,wonderful lady. May you rest in peace Melba. God has another beautiful angel.
Perry and Deanna Wiseman (Philpott)
I am so sorry to hear of Melba’s passing. We have both been involved with Girl Guides for many years, and I have always cherished her friendship. She was a fine lady in every respect and I shall treasure the many wonderful memories of Guiding with her in Eastport, Glovertown, and in the last two decades as a Trefoil Guild member with Crossroads Trefoil Guild. She was famous for her homemade ginger snaps which she made from a special unit she had just for that and would always bring extra for us to take home.. My sincere sympathies go out to you and your family as you lay her to rest. We share in your grief. May your memories bring you comfort as you move forward without her. God bless!
Deryldene Tucker,
Crossroads Trefoil Guild
Len and family
Sending much Love and Sympathy to you and Family
SHE WAS A WONDERFUL LADY and a true friend
We will hold the precious memories we have in our hearts for ever.,God bless you all
Marina and Sam