Ruth Pyke

PYKE, Ruth North Sydney It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, Ruth Pyke, on Monday, October 7, 2019, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. Born in North Sydney on December 3, 1935, she was the daughter of the late George and Mary (Hillard) Best. Ruth had been employed at National Sea Products in North Sydney and later with the Northside-Victoria District School Board as a member of the custodial staff. She had been an active member of St. John the Baptist Anglican Church in North Sydney, volunteering with the altar guild and the funeral reception team. In her earlier years she enjoyed camping and later spending time at her family cabin watching her grandchildren swim and waterski. She loved to sew, enjoyed quilting and ceramics and entertaining company from away. Ruth was a devoted wife and mother to her family and her love for children was well known. She and her husband Leslie welcomed forty-nine foster children into their home over the years, offering a safe and loving environment for those in need. Ruth is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Leslie “Peter” Pyke; by her two daughters, Yvonne (Lawrence) Bailey and Karen Pyke (Greg Popovich), both of North Sydney; eight grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and her daughter-in-law, Joanne Pyke. She was predeceased by her son Brian Pyke, a brother Norman Best and three sisters, Alice Billard, Laura Porter and Susan Kendall. There will be no visitation by request. A funeral service will be held 3:00 p.m. Thursday, at St. John the Baptist Anglican Church, North Sydney, with Rev. Douglas Beck officiating. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant Street, North Sydney. Memorial donations may be made to the North Sydney Food Bank or a charity of choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.wjdooley.com