Marie Pike

Marie E. Pike, born on May 21, 1936, in Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2025, at her residence. A devoted member of her community and cherished within her family, Marie will be fondly remembered for her vibrant spirit and commitment to enriching the lives of those around her.

Throughout her life, Marie owned and operated the Balsam Lodge BnB from 1980 until 1986, a venture that showcased her love for hospitality and connection with people. She was also deeply engaged in her community. A member of the First United Methodist Church of Waynesville, she nurtured her faith and supported numerous church activities including Stephen Ministries. Marie had a passion for gardening and was an active part of the Richland Garden Club, where her love for flowers thrived. Her leadership qualities shone brightly as she served as the president of the New York State Dental Hygienist Association, demonstrating her dedication to her profession. She was a Girl Scout leader and involved with her church youth group.

Marie’s interests were many and varied. She cherished quiet moments with a good book, found joy in traveling, and loved adventurous rides with her husband, Gordon, on their BMW motorcycle. An avid bird watcher and nature enthusiast, she often spent her time hiking and exploring the beauty of the outdoors.

She was a powerhouse of common sense and a bottomless well of love and compassion. We’re surprised that her body could contain all that energy and love for as long as it did.

Married to her beloved husband Gordon Pike for 70 years, Marie's legacy lives on in their son, Gordon Pike II, and granddaughter, Emily Anne Pike. She is also survived by her niece Kathy Cramer and four nephews—Steven Cramer, Arthur Bunting, John Bunting, and Thomas Bunting.

Marie was preceded in death by her father Clarence Dufraine, mother Rose Dufraine, two sons Scott Allen Pike and Ronald Adam Pike, as well as two sisters, Rose Cramer and Lorraine Bunting, and one brother, Peter Dufraine.

A Celebration of Life service will be held in her honor on January 24, 2025, starting at 2:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church of Waynesville, located at 566 S Haywood St, Waynesville, NC 28786. Family and friends are invited to gather to share in remembrance and celebrate the extraordinary life of a woman who brought joy and kindness to all. Marie Pike’s memory will forever be held in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Memorials may be made to either St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital: 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to FUMC of Waynesville: P.O. Box 838, Waynesville, NC 28786.

The care of Mrs. Pike has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville