1942 – 2004

LEWISTON – JoAnn Engel Pike died on Wednesday, March 17, at Central Maine Medical Center.

Born in Park, Kan., Feb. 16, 1942, she grew up in the farming community of Oakley, Kan., graduating from Mt. St. Scholastica High School in Atchison in 1960, and entered the convent of the Immaculate Conception the same year. During her years as a sister in the Dominican Order she graduated from Sacred Heart College in Wichita and taught in parochial schools.

Upon leaving the order, she taught for two years in public schools in Kansas City before setting out with a friend to travel the U.S. They got as far as the Lewiston/Auburn area of Maine. She taught third grade in the Lewiston school system and during that time she was instrumental in starting the New Vine Community, a charismatic prayer group.

She is best known as a founder and CEO of the Good Shepherd Food Bank 23 years ago. She began the work of feeding the hungry from her home on Court Street in Auburn. The Food Bank grew to the Continental Mill from there to Lisbon Street and finally to its present location and new building on Hotel Road, Auburn.

In recognition of her work in distributing food to soup kitchens, food pantries and shelters throughout the state of Maine, she received numerous leadership awards. She was also a member of Rotary Club and the Androscoggin Area Chamber of Commerce and served on the board of St. Mary’s Hospital.

She spent all her free time enjoying her cottage on Sebago Lake, where she was an active member of the Long Beach Association. Richfield Chapel was her church home in the summer and she was a member of Vineyard Christian Fellowship in Mechanic Falls during the winter months.

A woman with a big heart and a small ego, her compassion for Maine’s hungry and her uncompromising faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, insured that she will be greatly missed by family, friends, her staff, volunteers and the business community as she achieves her final reward. “Well done good and faithful servant.”

Survivors include two children, Clare Pike of Lewiston and John Pike of Auburn; a much beloved granddaughter, Michaela; her mother, Lidwinna Engel See of Oakley, Kan.; a sister, Donata Barenburg of Kansas City, Mo.; two nieces; and two nephews.