Cynthia Jean Pike, 74, passed away at her home in West Newfield, on November 27, 2021.

She was the daughter of Frank H. Pike Jr. and Maxine Crosby Pike of Bridgton.

She was predeceased by her parents, brother Jeffrey K. Pike and grandparents, Frank and Gwen Pike, and Leon and Mildred Crosby, all from Bridgton.

Cynthia Jean, also known as Cyndy, Cyn and more recently CJ, graduated from Bridgton High School in 1965 and attended University of Maine, Fort Kent. In 1968, Cynthia moved to California to work in broadcasting at her Uncle Leon Crosby’s radio stations KMPX in San Francisco, and KERR in Salinas. In 1972, she began writing and hosting The Vagabond, a travelogue program at KEMO-TV in San Francisco. In 1981, she left the Bay Area and moved back to the East Coast, spending time discovering Pennsylvania, then finding her way back to Maine. She touched down in Bridgton before settling in Newfield where she worked for Appraisal Consultants in Springvale.

Cyndy’s hobbies of baking and making crafts turned into a cottage business called CJ’S Fudge Cupboard. She made many different flavors of fudge and was well known for her pies, cookies and other treats that she sold at the Wakefield Market on Saturdays, and the Acton Fair and Cornish Apple Festival. Her goodies were enjoyed at family gatherings and reunions as she became recognized for her delicious baked goods.

Cyn loved history and researching family genealogy. She was an avid photographer and went on to publish a book Snapshots across America (2018) of photos she had taken during her travels. In addition, she published Life, Family, Wildlife and other Fun Stuff (2021) a compilation of short stories andAmelia’s Garden, a children’s book. She also wrote articles for Discover Maine magazine.

In 2003, CJ started writing for the Sanford News until they closed in 2017. She then landed a job for the Waterboro Reporter writing a Newfield column about her adopted hometown’s local happenings, events and other news. Newfield Librarian Cheryl Cause said, “Cyndy was a huge part of the Newfield community and she will be truly missed.” Her family can veri- fy, “Cynthia loved Newfield!”

Cynthia Jean is survived by her brother (Kim) Frank H. Pike III of Bridgton, and sister Heather Pike Bruhl and husband Dr. Timothy Bruhl of Kennebunk. Also surviving are nephew Frank H. Pike IV and wife Chandra of Plaistow, N.H., niece Jennifer Pike Schaefer and husband Michael of Gorham, and niece Taylor Maribeth Bruhl of Kennebunk. In addition, she is survived by great-nephews Henry, Graham, and Edwin, and great-niece Mabel Grace. Cynthia will be remembered for her upbeat and friendly, positive spirit by her many cousins and friends.

Upon request, Cynthia Jean was cremated and will be interred at Forest Hills in Bridgton at the Pike Family plot. A celebration of life will be held in late spring 2022.