Obituary of Monica Gertrude Pike

Monica Butler Pike would have hated being the subject of an obituary. While the traditional descriptions "loving mother" and "devoted wife" certainly applied to Monica, she would have balked at those phrases - she was one of a kind, too unique for such scripted sentences. Monica passed away on June 18th, 2016, but even facing death, she was full of life. Monica was clever and quick-witted, a tiny person with a huge heart and equally sizable sense of humor. Her husband (Gregory Pike, 65), managed to keep up with her for 38 years of marriage (no small feat). Monica was one of 8 children; she is already sorely missed by 7 siblings and their spouses (Jim and Sue McMaster, Mike and Barb Petrano, Doug and Mary Beth Story, Maggie Bechtold, Sean and Nora Kirst, Jim Butler, John and Nicole Butler and Karen Butler), as well as brothers and sisters of Greg (Mary Hosenfeld, predeceased by her husband Don, Chris Woodfield, predeceased by her husband Spencer, John and Sharon Pike, Thomas Pike, Dennis and Nancy Thomas, Richard and Debbie Pike). Monica managed to keep her sanity relatively intact despite raising three boys (Zachary, 36; Nathan, 35; and Nicholas, 33) while wrangling a menagerie of their pets. She is predeceased by numerous dogs including but not limited to Gussie, Emma, Rusty, Ginger, Roscoe, Pugsly, Hannibal, and Wiggle Puppy. Other pets include Fluffy the iguana; Daisy and Farley, both pigs; ferrets Geek and Gizmo; Gracie the Cockatoo; her African Grey Parrots; and Millie the Chinchillie, among others. She is survived by Trooper, Brian Wilson, Suds McDuff and Mango. Animals loved Monica, and kids did too. She worked as as a teacher's assistant in the Irondequoit School District and was so adored by the kids in her neighborhood some referred to her as "Momica." Monica was loved by each and every one of her numerous nieces and nephews. Her grandson, Nathan (age 8), was a fan of her not-so-secret candy drawer she maintained solely for his use. Monica was strong-willed, dynamic, and anyone who knew her would say she's impressively stubborn - so stubborn that we are following her orders even now that she's left us, and honoring her wishes to forgo a wake. Luckily she did not forbid a memorial service. It will take place at the Harris Funeral Home on Friday June 24, 2016 at 1 PM with a reception to follow at the Point Pleasant Firehouse. Those who wish to may donate to Verona Street Animal Society in lieu of flowers.