Nancy Kennedy Pike's Obituary
Nancy Kennedy Pike died on Friday, December 9, 2022, in Dallas, Texas at the age of 88. She is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Frank Pike; her daughters Karen Pike Robertson (Joe) and Meredith Pike Stimson (Charlie); her grandchildren Johnny Stimson (Bethany), Sarah Nystrom (Eric), Joy Bonfante (Matt), Mary Stimson, Meredith Porter (Josh) and Rebekah Robertson; and her great grandchildren Betsy Nystrom, Frank Nystrom and Hallie Porter; and cousin Judy Young. Nancy is preceded in death by her son, Thomas Kennedy Pike.
Nancy was born on April 26, 1934, in Hollywood, California to Sam and Ruth Kennedy. As a child, she enjoyed visiting her dad’s office followed by ice skating every Saturday. She graduated from John Muir High School and enrolled at UCLA. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta, where she was a “Pasadena Girl” and a proud member of the “Crazy Eights” sorority sisters who remained her dearest friends for life. She loved watching her high school sweetheart, Frank Pike, play 3rd base for the UCLA Bruins. Nancy and Frank married in 1956 in Laguna Beach, California, while they were still students at UCLA. She graduated from UCLA in 1957 with her “M.R.S.” and a degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Art.
After graduation, Nancy taught underserved children in Arcadia, CA, and volunteered at the City of Hope Hospital. Her children Karen, Tom, and Meredith were all born in Pasadena. She loved having coffee time with the Crazy Eights while their kids played together.
Nancy and Frank moved to Dallas in 1969 as Frank was transferred for work. They made new dear friends at St. John’s Episcopal Church and Nancy became a reluctant Girl Scout leader. She taught preschool for many years at Northminster Presbyterian.
Nancy was a wonderful and loving mom who made school lunches every day and had an apple and a freshly baked cake waiting after school. She taught her children how to be a good friend and instilled in them a love of reading and drawing. Nancy believed in a slice of pie after every doctor appointment and she was always there for her family.
Nancy’s hobbies were painting, sculpting and knitting. She was a lifelong artist and enjoyed continuing her hobbies among friends at the Presbyterian Village North retirement community where she and Frank lived and enjoyed wonderful friendships beginning in 2015.
Since their high school years, Nancy and Frank loved the beach, and they later enjoyed many fall trips to Maine. Their favorite vacation was a trip to Europe in 2012 with Meredith’s family. She loved to reminisce about a perfect day touring the impressionist Musee d’Orsay in Paris followed by an ice cream sundae. The whole family has many happy memories and photos as treasures from that trip.
A highlight of Nancy and Frank’s marriage was their 2019 television interview with Teresa Woodard of WFAA Channel 8 in Dallas. They were selected to talk about the topic of “laughter in marriage,” which was a hallmark of their 66 years in love.
Nancy was an only child, and she always wanted a large and close-knit family. She doted on each one of us. We loved her quick wit, wise words and her gentle spirit. Nancy was thrilled to be the matriarch of such a happy group and she will be greatly missed.
The family would like to thank Dr. Shanouk Das, Dr. Bonnie Floyd, Dr. Brad Gamble and Mary Gamble, MA, CCC-A for their compassionate care. We are also thankful for the wonderful team members and caring neighbors at Presbyterian Village North who loved our “Mimi” and will continue to love our “Poppy” well.
Nancy’s life will be celebrated at a private family burial service at Restland in Dallas, Texas. If desired, memorial gifts may be made to the Presbyterian Village Foundation, 8600 Skyline Drive, Dallas, Texas 75243
What’s your fondest memory of Nancy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Nancy?
Share a story where Nancy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Nancy you’ll never forget.
How did Nancy make you smile?
