Judy Pike, 76

Judy Pike, 76

On May 26, 2020, the world lost one of its true angels with the passing of Judy Rachela Pike. “Grandma Sparkle” passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends.

Judy Rogliano was born Oct. 25, 1943, to Albert and Anne Rogliano while at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C. One of six children, the family ultimately moved to Bronxville, N.Y., where Judy spent most of her childhood. She later attended Northwestern University in Chicago, where she would meet Kent Pike, her husband of 53 years. It was during her college years that Judy and Kent developed some of their strongest memories and attachments that remain bright to this day.

In 1974, Judy and Kent moved to Coeur d’Alene. Kent opened a medical practice and the family had two sons, Gregg and Bryan Pike. Over the past 25 years, Judy has divided her time between Coeur d’Alene and the family’s ranch near Chinook, Mont. During the past two decades, the ranch has become the focus of much joy and energy, as well as a source of precious family time.

Along the way, Judy developed many of her cherished friendships that follow onward to the present. A woman of incredible energy, joy and compassion, she amassed an untold number of admirers through her life’s journey. Everyone who knew Grandma Sparkle could confirm that few people on earth could light up a room simply with her presence. Never shy, Judy believed that any worthy endeavor she touched demanded a flair and “sparkle” that only she could achieve. She loved to travel, cook, tend to her enormous flower garden and participate in the ranching life, but most of all, she loved the time with her family and friends.

Judy was also blessed with a wealth of athletic talents. She competed in racquetball at a high level throughout the 1980s, including second and fourth-place finishes in the U.S. Open Amateur Racquetball tournament. She was also well known for beating many of the top men in her region who were foolish enough to challenge her, often eliciting dubious “payback measures” from her male opponents following their ego-damaging losses. Later, she focused her efforts on tennis, becoming an integral member of an elite traveling tennis team in the Spokane and Coeur d’Alene region for a number of years.

Judy is survived by Kent Pike, her husband of 53 years; her two sons, Bryan and Gregg (Malinda) Pike; her three grandchildren, Brady, Carson and Georgia Pike; as well as her sisters, Ginny and Joan Rogliano. We will all love her to pieces forever.

Due to ongoing pandemic concerns, the timing of services is to be determined. Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d’Alene, is in care of her arrangements. You may leave condolences at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.