Shirley J. Pike

PIKE, Shirley Jean, of 18 Retirement Drive, Horseheads, NY passed away in Florida unexpectedly Tuesday evening, December 21, 2021 following a brief illness. Her sons, Gary and John Pike, and daughter-in-law, Gloria, visited just hours before. Shirley was born March 23, 1936 in Elmira, NY to Norman and Fannie (Morgan) Carpenter of Wellsburg, NY. As the youngest of three and only daughter, with twin brothers Norman and Gordon seven years older, Shirley enjoyed her young family life; singing in church choir, soloist for Christmas services and weddings, and even skipped school to see movie matinees with her mom in the big city of Elmira. Before Shirley turned nine, her beloved mother died. Years later, her father remarried St. Joseph School of Nursing graduate, Flora Chmielewski. In 1967, Shirley and Alfred “Jack” Pike married. For over 38 years, Al guided their lives always around family, legally adopting her son, Gary. Shirley was a dedicated employee at Fairway Springs in Horseheads, NY for more than 42 years, taking great pride in her work and the company. She also had a great love of dogs, always having a dog in their household and donating to the SPCA. Shirley showed a generous heart - purchasing many extra household products when on sale, then handing them out when she heard others were in need. She enjoyed throwing horseshoes, had her own pit in their yard and won leagues. Al and Shirley lived their married life on the Southside until 2003, when they decided a retirement atmosphere was more conducive to their lifestyle. They moved to Retirement Estates in Horseheads. Here, Shirley took on many volunteer positions and participated in numerous community activities. She maintained a beautiful yard and decorated their home inside and out for every holiday. Shirley was affectionately known as the “Mayor of Retirement Estates” for many years. Survivors include son, Gary (Tina) Pike of FL; John (Gloria) Pike of FL, Susan Cox of Horseheads, Thomas (Bonnie) Pike of Elmira, and Dona (Tim) Ingram of FL; grandchildren John and Vlada Pike; Jeff Pike, Jenn (Aaron) Cornish, Bill Cox, Jessica (Todd) Swearingen, Jonathon (Crystal) Ingram, Lori Pike, Suzanne Pike, Heather Cox and Christopher Cox; step-great grandchildren Sara, Matt, Jessica, Gabe, Garrett, Kendall, Colton, Reese, Chase, Carson, Mackenzie, Chase, Keira and Danica; great great granddaughter, Aurora and expecting baby Isaac; sister-in-law, Janice Carpenter of Elmira, several nieces and nephews of Carpenter and Pike families. Shirley Jean Carpenter Pike was predeceased by her beloved husband, Al Pike; parents, Gordon and Fannie (Morgan) Carpenter; her twin brothers, Gordy and Norm Carpenter, Norm’s wife, Sue; step-mother, Flora Carpenter and her step-sisters Jane Dixson and Pauline Morris; brother-in-law, Leon (Dick) Pike and his wife, Jeanne. Family and friends are invited to call Thursday, January 20, 2022 from 11a.m. to 1p.m. at the James D. Barrett Funeral Home. Funeral service will follow at 1p.m. with Deacon Joseph Erway officiating. Interment will follow in Ashland Cemetery in Wellsburg, NY. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Shirley’s memory may be made to SPCA via www.chemungspca.org or mail donation to Chemung County Humane Society SPCA, 2435 St Route 352, Elmira, NY 14903.