Obituary of Neita Elizabeth Pike
PIKE, Neita Elizabeth (née McConnell)
Neita was the loving wife of John G. “Jack” Pike, dear mother of Phillip (Lori) of Brighton, Ontario, and David (Josiane) of Luxembourg, grandmother of Cameron, Austin and step-grandmother of Rebecca and Scott. She died peacefully on 2 April 2020, 9 days before her 89th birthday. Neita was predeceased by her brothers Donald (infant) and Gordon of Kitchener, sister Doreen Vézina of Ottawa, and her first husband James Haughton, and survived by her sister Joy Medwedew of London, Ontario.
Neita was a spirited and optimistic character whose laughter filled rooms and lifted those she touched.
Born and raised in Aylmer, Québec, she studied at Ottawa Teachers’ College and Sir George Williams College, Montréal and started her teaching career at Morin Heights, Québec and Macdonald College High School, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue before settling in Kingston prior to raising a family. She returned to teaching at Frontenac, Central, Rideau and other Kingston public schools and in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Neita loved music and singing. As a young woman, she pursued a soloist career before turning to teaching, and later joined the Kingston Choral Society. Neita combined her love of music and children in the classroom and led numerous children’s school and church choirs. She was an accomplished cook and hostess, whether for large academic affairs or her treasured and intimate group of bridge friends. As an enthusiastic volunteer she worked tirelessly for Hôtel-Dieu Women’s Auxiliary, Royal Military College Women’s Club, Kingston Symphony Association, and as a tour guide for St. George’s Cathedral. She was an active member of the congregations of the Cathedral and of St. James’ Church, Kingston.
The family would like to thank the team at Trillium Care Community for their outstanding care.
A celebration of Neita’s life is planned with details to appear at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome donations to the Alzheimer Society of Kingston, Lennox & Addington and Lunch by George (St. George’s Cathedral).
I know that my Redeemer liveth,
and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.
And though worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.
(Job 19:25-26)
For now is Christ risen from the dead, the first fruits of them that sleep.
(I Corinthians 15:20)
