WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. —  

Susan Pike of Williamstown passed away on July 18, 2026 in the loving embrace of her family, after a life lived with caring, intention, and creativity. With her easy laugh, gentle demeanor, and mischievous sense of humor, she was a north star to her family, a beloved friend to many, and an inspiration to all whose lives she touched.

Susan was born to Elisabeth and Merton Perry of Darien, Connecticut, during the Great Blizzard of December 1947. She attended Darien High School and Denver University, where she graduated with a B.S. in Education.

Family was the center of Susan’s heart. Her marriage to Allan Pike began a loving partnership of 55 years. She created a caring home for their two daughters, Sarah and Libbie, in Wilton, Connecticut, with her beloved mother, Elisabeth Perry, living just steps away. After the family moved to Williamstown, Massachusetts, her creative touch continued with new gardening opportunities and home improvement projects. Her artistic eye could be found in gingerbread houses at Christmas and whimsical holiday decorations. She savored the simple pleasures of annual vacations on Block Island, competitive games of cards and dominoes, and sharing meals and stories with friends and family gathered around the table.

Serving the Williamstown community was an integral part of Susan’s life work. At Mount Greylock Regional School, she and like-minded friends developed a college and career resource center and supported the Friends of the Arts, an advocacy and fundraising group to enhance all students’ visual and performing arts experiences. As the Visitor Services Manager at the Clark Art Institute, she supervised and mentored the volunteer staff that is so necessary to a public museum.

After her retirement from the Clark, Susan turned her creative energy to the Williamstown Public Library, becoming a leader of the Friends of the Library’s annual book sale fundraiser. Seeing an opportunity for greater community impact, she was instrumental in establishing the Friends’ Chapter Two Books year-round store on Spring Street, which has contributed significant funding for library improvements and programming. Until recently, she managed the all-volunteer staff of this vibrant community space.

Susan spent her final months enjoying the growing season, visiting with her many loving friends and family members on her plant-filled front porch and creating a beautiful shade garden with her loyal undergardener by her side.

Susan leaves behind her husband Allan Pike; her daughter Sarah Pike and her partner Liz Howe; and her daughter Libbie Pike. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Iris and Indira Semon Pike, and their father, Clark Semon. She is survived by her brother Scott Perry and his wife Nancy Fish; a nephew Chris Perry and his wife Cathryn Dwyre; a niece, Francesca Mellin and her husband Carl, and their children, Wendy and Alex. She was predeceased by her sister Elisabeth Perry Augustyn.

Her family would like to thank the thoughtful staff, caregivers, and health professionals at HospiceCare in the Berkshires and North Adams Regional Hospital for their kindness and support.

Family and friends are invited to a Gathering in Memory of Susan Pike at Buxton School, 291 South Street in Williamstown, on Saturday, August 8th at 1:00 pm. A private burial will be held in Old Lyme, Conn. later this year.