Jean Pyke

Jean Pyke of Catalone NS, passed away on January 21, 2022  at the age of 100 years with her beloved family by her side.

Born in the Eastern Townships of Quebec, she was the daughter of the late Stanley and Bernice Taylor. Jean was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

Jean is survived by her loving daughter Pat McCormack and her son-in-law Joe, whom she loved like a son. She resided with Pat and Joe for 25 years and was loved and cherished by them. She also leaves behind two step daughters, Elva and Karen MacNeil, and her much-loved grandchildren Trevor (Kamini Singh) McCormack, Susanne (Bill) O’Brien and Brian (Terry McKinnon) McCormack. She will be sadly missed but dearly remembered by her great-grandchildren Sierra Singh and Jack and Connor O’Brien.

Jean was a multi-talented woman with major accomplishments throughout her life. She was very proud of the fact that she earned a BA degree from CBU at the age of 73. A considerably proficient seamstress, she enjoyed making beautiful clothing for herself as well as her daughter, granddaughter and great-grandchildren. For a number of years she shared her skills by teaching night school sewing classes. She was a wonderful quilter and served as a mentor to many of the quilters in her local group. She was a knitter and created lots of sweaters, socks, hats and mittens that she donated as well as gifted. She was also an avid painter and a published author.

Jean spent many happy days with the love of her life, her late husband Herbie, camping, swimming, boating and searching for the elusive perfect fishing spot (although she adamantly refused to bait a hook). She loved to go dancing and would never leave the dance floor until the last song was over. She enjoyed skiing, skating and hiking and never met a book she wouldn’t read cover to cover. Her family would like to thank the VON for their excellent care and extend a special thank you to Anne Gillis and Helen Sweeney.

As an expression of sympathy, donations can be made to the Cape Breton Chapter of the VON.

Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of Forest Haven Memorial Gardens. In accordance with Jean’s wishes, there will be no visitation or service at this time. Instead, a family graveside ceremony and celebration of life will be held at a later date. Condolences can be made to the family at foresthaven.ca

“If ever love could have saved you,

you would have lived forever.”

David Ellsworth