Hilda Pike, Middle AARP Founder, Lover of Birds, Dies at 104

DIAS CREEK — Hilda Pike’s passing on May 26 at 104 meant that a Middle Township icon had gone home. Pike, who came to America as a teenager with her father from Eisenach, Germany, first lived in Chicago, Ill.
“She was a housewife all her life, and the best mother anyone could ask for,” said her son, Ken, of Medford.
It was in that Midwestern city Pike met her husband, Harold, a Western Electric employee. He was transferred to the New York office. Because of that, the couple bought a home in Fanwood, Union County, where they settled and where Ken grew up.
Her friends at Dias Creek United Methodist Church, who always helped her celebrate birthdays, will miss her as will members of Middle Township’s AARP chapter, of which she and her late husband were founding members. It was with 70 peers in November 2012 at the DeVico Center in Court House that she marked her 104th birthday. A photograph of her on that milestone was a true portrayal, wearing a crown, a smile, and with a twinkle in her eyes.
Perhaps most amazing about the centenarian was “She never went to a doctor, and never took prescribed medication,” Ken told the Herald.
Prior to a fall that resulted in a broken hip, the last time Pike was in a hospital was “Since she had me,” Ken said.
“She loved birds, and particularly loved to feed the birds,” he said.
In addition to watching winged friends in her dooryard, Pike “loved needlepoint.”
She spent many carefree hours in her Dias Creek home making “Jesus” signs of that handiwork, and also making “cross in the pocket” remembrances and picture frames with Bible verses. Those, said Ken, she would send “all over the world, to troops serving in Iraq and people she knew all over the world,” Ken added.
“She loved the Lord,” Ken said, “She was no Bible scholar, but she thanked the Lord for her house, for the birds, and the wonderful life she had. She was at peace all the time.”
When asked she secret of longevity, Pike freely cited never going to a doctor and being happy in life.
“She was happy every day, had a smile on her face, and had so many friends,” said Ken. Some of those were of nearly the same age, but many were younger, he said.
Pike was a 40-plus year member of Dias Creek United Methodist Church.
In addition to her husband, Pike was also predeceased by her son Stanley.
Surviving her, in addition to her son, is his son Brian and daughter Amanda and their children, Madelyn, Jamison, Christopher and Tyler.
A memorial service at the church is planned June 9 at 3 p.m.