Obituary of Rita Bride Pike

Rita Bride Pike (nee Barrow) passed away peacefully on March 21, 2022. She was born on April 22, 1935, in Gambo, NL. She married the love of her life, James Russell Pike, on December 14, 1954, in Stephenville Crossing.

After having their first three children in Stephenville Crossing, eventually, she and Russell moved to Pasadena in 1959. They started a farm, opened a general store, meat market and construction company where they worked side by side for 43 years. They had a complete loving life together with family and friends travelling, fishing, camping, playing cards and community service (including being a Lioness and Anglican Church Women’s group). She is known for her strong work ethic and unrelenting energy – doing whatever had to be done - which has been a foundation for her children and grandchildren.

Even though she was an extremely hard worker, she liked to have fun and enjoy life, including singing in the choir to being a clown in the Santa Clause parade.

Rita had 17 beautiful grandchildren, Jessie, Rebecca (Craig), Megan, Jordan (Meghan), Amy (Mark), Brett, Lisa (Ian), Jimmy (Leah), Patti (Jim), Shelby (Matt), Jessica (Ian), Lindsey, Morgan, Crystal (Chris), Sheila, Dominic (Ashley), Daniel, and 23 lively great-grandchildren.

Predeceased by her husband James Russell Pike, parents, Charlie and Rebecca Barrow, daughter Shelia Gamble and granddaughter Melanie Dawn Gamble, sisters Elsie (Thoms) and Minnie, brothers William and Samuel and brother-in-law Paul Thoms.

Leaving to cherish her memory are her beloved children Brian (Marlene), Glynn (Francine), Sandra (Rick) and Minnie (Jerome), brothers Ira (Amy), Alvin (Louise), sisters-in-law Susie and Lilly and Anne Kane and special friend Charlette Young.

Of special mention is her gratitude for the medical team that supported her wishes to live a good quality of life for as long as possible – which she did! Most notably is Dr. D. Coleman, who has been her family doctor for more than 30 years, always going above and beyond.

Visitation will occur at St. David of Wales Anglican Church in Pasadena on Friday, March 25, 7-9 pm and Sunday, March 27, 2-4 pm. Visitation will continue on Monday, March 28, 7-9 pm at Fillatre’s Funeral Home, 4 St. Mark’s Avenue, Corner Brook, followed by cremation. Masks are not mandatory but are recommended.  A Celebration of Life service is set to take place on July 31, 2022, at 3:00 pm from St. David of Wales Anglican Church in Pasadena, with a burial to follow at the Anglican Cemetery, Pasadena.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides through the Pasadena Lions Club, email for donations pasadenalionseft@gmail.com.